exacerbare

Exacerbare is a verb meaning to make a problem, condition, or feeling worse or more severe; to aggravate or intensify. In English, the common infinitive is exacerbate, and "exacerbare" is not typically used as the standard form. The word appears in discussions of Romance-language vocabulary or as a loanword in multilingual texts. Related forms in other languages include esacerbare (Italian), exacerbar (Spanish), and exacerber (French). The noun form is exacerbation.

Etymology and global use: Exacerbare derives from the Latin exacerbāre, which combines ex- (out, thoroughly) with acerbus or a related stem meaning harsh or bitter. The sense evolved in many languages to describe actions that make a situation more severe or difficult. In English, the direct cognate is exacerbate, borrowed and integrated since the early modern period. In non-English contexts, language-specific infinitives and conjugations are used, with the same core meaning.

Usage notes: Exacerbate is typically used in contexts where an factor increases severity or intensity, such as symptoms, conflicts, or environmental problems. It carries a negative connotation, signaling that an action or condition worsens an already adverse situation.

Examples: The infection can exacerbate respiratory symptoms. Heat waves exacerbate water shortages. Political instability can exacerbate economic downturns.

See also: exacerbation, worsen, aggravate, intensify, ameliorate.

Summary: Exacerbare signals the act of making something worse. In English writing, adhere to exacerbate for the verb form; use exacerbation as the noun.