exacerbator
|ex/ac/er/ba/tor|
C1
🇺🇸
/ɪɡˈzæsərˌbeɪtər/
🇬🇧
/ɪɡˈzæsəˌbeɪtə/
(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 situation worse.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person or thing that exacerbates or makes a situation worse.
The exacerbator of the conflict was the lack of communication.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/02/11 16:54