ex-ac-er-bate -
–verb (used with object), -bat-ed, -bat-ing.
1.
to increase the severity, bitterness, or violence of (disease, ill feeling, etc.); aggravate.
2.
to embitter the feelings of (a person); irritate; exasperate.
Origin: 1650–60; < style="FONT-VARIANT: small-caps" href="http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=ex-&db=luna">ex- 1 + acerbātus acerbate Related forms:
ex-ac-er-bat-ing-ly, adverb
ex-ac-er-ba-tion, noun
Synonyms:1. intensify, inflame, worsen.
Antonyms:1. relieve, soothe, alleviate.
