exacerbation
|ex/ac/er/ba/tion|
C1
🇺🇸
/ɪɡˌzæsərˈbeɪʃən/
🇬🇧
/ɪɡˌzæsəˈbeɪʃən/
(exacerbate)
make worse
Etymology
Etymology Information
'exacerbate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'exacerbare,' where 'ex-' meant 'out' and 'acerbus' meant 'harsh or bitter.'
Historical Evolution
'exacerbare' transformed into the French word 'exacerber,' and eventually became the modern English word 'exacerbate' through Middle English.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to make harsh or bitter,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to make a problem or situation worse.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a worsening or increase in the severity of a disease or its symptoms.
The patient experienced an exacerbation of asthma symptoms.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:42