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exacerbate

verb

ɪɡˈzæsərbeɪt

Meaning

To make a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling worse.

Make (a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling) worse.

Climate change exacerbates flooding issues.

The pollution in the city only exacerbates the health problems.

aggravate, intensify, worsen

Entry 1

aggravate, intensify

Entry 2

worsen, aggravate

alleviate, mitigate, ease

Entry 1

alleviate, mitigate

Entry 2

alleviate, ease

to make something slightly wet; to make something less strong, active, or intense

Placing or arranging things in a straight line or in correct relative positions.

To solicit votes, orders, or support from people.

to gradually take over or intrude on someone’s rights, territory, or space

to lose something temporarily by putting it in the wrong place

to ask someone to come to a place or event