Word of the Day: exacerbate
ex·ac·er·bate /ɪgˈzæsərˌbeɪt, ɛkˈsæs-/ [ig-zas-er-beyt, ek-sas-]
-verb (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; < L exacerbātus (ptp. of exacerbāre to exasperate, provoke), equiv. to ex- ex-1 + acerbātus acerbate]
-Related forms
ex·ac·er·bat·ing·ly, adverb
ex·ac·er·ba·tion, noun
-Synonyms 1. intensify, inflame, worsen.
-Antonyms 1. relieve, soothe, alleviate.
-verb (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; < L exacerbātus (ptp. of exacerbāre to exasperate, provoke), equiv. to ex- ex-1 + acerbātus acerbate]
-Related forms
ex·ac·er·bat·ing·ly, adverb
ex·ac·er·ba·tion, noun
-Synonyms 1. intensify, inflame, worsen.
-Antonyms 1. relieve, soothe, alleviate.