'exacerbate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'exacerbatus,' where 'ex-' meant 'out' and 'acerbus' meant 'harsh or bitter.'

'exacerbatus' transformed into the French word 'exacerber,' and eventually became the modern English word 'exacerbate' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to make harsh or bitter,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'making a situation worse.'