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ərˌbeɪtverb (used with object), -bat·ed, -bat·ing.
1.
to increase the severity, bitterness, or violence of (disease, ill feeling, etc.); aggravate.
2.
to embitter the feelings of (a person); irritate; exasperate.
Origin:
1650–60; < Latin exacerbātus (past participle of exacerbāre to exasperate, provoke), equivalent to ex- ex-1 + acerbātus acerbate
1650–60; < Latin exacerbātus (past participle of exacerbāre to exasperate, provoke), equivalent to ex- ex-1 + acerbātus acerbate
Related forms
ex·ac·er·bat·ing·ly, adverb
ex·ac·er·ba·tion, noun
un·ex·ac·er·bat·ed, adjective
un·ex·ac·er·bat·ing, adjective
Synonyms
1. intensify, inflame, worsen.
1. intensify, inflame, worsen.
Antonyms
1. relieve, soothe, alleviate.
1. relieve, soothe, alleviate.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Exacerbate
is a GRE word you need to know.
So is iota. Does it mean:
| to clear, as from an accusation, imputation, suspicion, or the like; to afford justification for or justify |
| very small quantity or degree |
Example Sentences
- Many of us exacerbate the problem by treating our e-mail addresses as public information.
- In some cases, she argues, current policies may even exacerbate the problem.
- Job losses exacerbate the situation for homeowners with risky mortgages.
Collins
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
Cite This Source
Etymonline
Word Origin & History
exacerbate
1650s, from L. exacerbat-, pp. stem of exacerbare (see exacerbation). Related: Exacerbated; exacerbating.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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