ex·ac·er·bate 
/ɪgˈzæsɚˌbeɪt/ verb
ex·ac·er·bates; ex·ac·er·bat·ed; ex·ac·er·bat·ing /ɪgˈzæsɚˌbeɪt/ verb [+ obj] : to make (a bad situation, a problem, etc.) worse
▪ The proposed factory shutdown would only exacerbate our unemployment problems. ▪ His angry comments have exacerbated tensions in the negotiation process.
▪ The proposed factory shutdown would only exacerbate our unemployment problems. ▪ His angry comments have exacerbated tensions in the negotiation process.
— ex·ac·er·ba·tion /ɪgˌzæsɚˈbeɪʃən/ noun [noncount]
▪ the exacerbation of symptoms/problems/tensions
/ɪgˌzæsɚˈbeɪʃən/ noun [noncount] ▪ the exacerbation of symptoms/problems/tensions
