← BackshareGuessexacerbate/ɪɡˈzæsərˌbeɪt/verbTo make a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling worse.Lack of sleep can exacerbate symptoms of anxiety.Arguing with your boss will only exacerbate the conflict.The drought has exacerbated the region's water shortage.SynonymsworsenaggravateintensifyAntonymsimprovealleviate