We explain what exacerbate is, its senses when referring to a person and in other contexts. Also, the origin of the term and its synonyms.
What is exacerbate?
With the verb exacerbate we commonly refer to the action of causing anger, anger or irritation in another person (which then proceeds to be exacerbated). However, the verb also has the sense of "increase", "exaggerate" or "enliven" in others. contexts: can exacerbate a emotion (increase its intensity), an illness (enlarge its symptoms) or a fight (intensify its violence).
The word exacerbate comes from Latin exacerbate, with the same meaning, composed of the voices former- ("Outward") and acerbus ("Sour" or "bitter"). Seen this way, when something is exacerbated, we imagine it as an acrimony that comes from within, that is, as something unpleasant that increases its presence.
In summary, with this verb we usually indicate that something has increased its ordinary levels, usually when it occurs in an unpleasant, dangerous or fierce way. When this refers to the mood of a person, we commonly refer to the appearance of anger, or at least annoyance and anger. irritability (“Daniela the exacerbate certain political positions ”).
On the other hand, an exacerbated passion is one that escapes control (“The absence did nothing but exacerbate this love ”), just as an exacerbated anger can turn into anger or lead to physical violence.
Some synonyms Possible of this term are: irritate, annoy, intensify, enliven or exaggerate.