exacerbar

The Spanish verb "exacerbar" means to exacerbate or to worsen. It refers to the action of making a situation, a feeling, or a condition more intense, severe, or acute.

Meaning

1. To intensify or aggravate a negative condition. For example, symptoms of an illness or a conflict situation.

   • La falta de descanso puede exacerbar los síntomas de la enfermedad.
     (Lack of rest can exacerbate the symptoms of the illness.)

2. To provoke or increase feelings such as anger or frustration.

   • Sus palabras sólo lograron exacerbar el enfado de la multitud.
     (His words only succeeded in exacerbating the crowd's anger.)

Word Parts

• ex-: a prefix meaning "out" or "intensively."
• acerbar: from Latin "acerbare," meaning "to make harsh" or "to embitter."

Spanish Synonyms

• Agravar
• Intensificar
• Empeorar
• Irritar (in the context of aggravating feelings)
• Avivar (in the context of intensifying feelings)

Spanish Antonyms

• Mitigar
• Aliviar
• Mejorar
• Atenuar

Summary

"Exacerbar" is a verb used primarily to express the worsening or intensifying of a negative state, whether physical, emotional, or situational. It is often used in medical, social, and emotional contexts.