Exacerbate

verb (transitive)

/ɪɡˈzæsəbeɪt/ (British); /ɪɡˈzæsərbeɪt/ (American)

To make a problem, situation, or negative feeling worse or more severe; to aggravate or intensify something already bad. Typically used of conflicts, crises, tensions, or adverse conditions.

✍️ Usage in a UPSC answer

Poorly designed fiscal transfers can exacerbate regional inequalities, deepening the divide between developed and lagging states rather than fostering balanced and inclusive growth.

Synonyms

aggravateworsenintensifyinflamecompoundheighten

Antonyms

alleviatemitigateameliorateassuage

🌱 Word Family

exacerbation (n), exacerbated (adj), exacerbating (v pres.p)

🔡 Root

Latin exacerbare = to irritate, provoke; ex- = thoroughly; acerbus = harsh, bitter (from acer = sharp)

📜 Etymology

From Latin exacerbatus, past participle of exacerbare "to irritate, provoke," from ex- "thoroughly" + acerbus "harsh, bitter" (from acer "sharp, keen"); first attested in English in the 1650s.

🧠 Memory Hook

Root acer = 'sharp/bitter' (as in 'acerbic'). To EXACERBATE is to make a situation sharper and more bitter — pouring acid on an open wound. Do not confuse with 'exasperate' (to irritate a person), which derives from asper, 'rough'.

🌿 Environment & Ecology 📖 Seen in: Biodiversity and Conservation in India

Tip: press Alt+S to hear pronunciation