exacerban

Exacerban is the third-person plural present indicative form of the Spanish verb exacerbar, meaning to intensify, aggravate, or worsen. It is used to describe actions by subjects that increase the severity or intensity of a condition, situation, or phenomenon. Although common in formal and written contexts, exacerbbar is a standard verb in everyday Spanish as well.

Etymology and grammar: exacerbar derives from Latin exacerbare, formed from ex- (out, thoroughly) and acerbus (bitter, harsh). It follows the regular -ar conjugation pattern. Relevant forms include yo exacerbo, tú exacerbas, él exacerba, nosotros exacerbamos, vosotros exacerbáis, ellos exacerban. The imperfect is exacerbaban; the preterite is exacerbaron; the present subjunctive is exacerben. The verb is often used transitively with a direct object (for example, “las condiciones exacerban la situación”) and can be used reflexively as exacerbarse when describing a condition worsening on its own or due to factors (for example, “la enfermedad puede exacerbarse”).

Usage and nuance: Exacerbar conveys a sense of aggravation beyond mere worsening, often implying amplification by external factors or compounding causes. It is frequently found in medical, economic, political, and social discourse. In more everyday language, synonyms such as agravar, empeorar, o intensificar may be used, but exacerbar carries a slightly more formal or technical tone.

Examples: “Las tensiones políticas exacerban el conflicto.” “Las alergias ambientales exacerban los síntomas de la paciente.” The related noun form is exacerbación, referring to the act or process of becoming more severe.

See also: exacerbar, exacerbación, empeorar, agravar.