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Exacerbation - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Exacerbation refers to the act of making a problem, situation, or condition worse or more severe. It is often used in medical contexts to describe the worsening of symptoms.

exacerbation

/ɪɡˌzæsərˈbeɪʃən/ /ɪɡˌzæsəˈbeɪʃən/

Definition:

The act of making a problem, situation, or condition worse or more severe.

Synonyms:

Aggravation, worsening, intensification, deterioration

Part of Speech:

Noun

Antonyms:

Alleviation, improvement

Common Collocations:

Disease exacerbation, symptom exacerbation, chronic exacerbation

Derivatives:

Exacerbate (verb), exacerbated (adjective)

Usage Tips:

Use "exacerbation" to describe the worsening of a negative condition, especially in medical or conflict contexts.

Common Phrases:

"Exacerbation of symptoms, " "periodic exacerbation, " "sudden exacerbation"

Etymology:

From Latin *exacerbāre*, meaning "to provoke" or "irritate," from *ex-* (thoroughly) + *acerbus* (harsh).

Examples:

  • 1. Stress can lead to an exacerbation of health issues.
  • 2. The doctor noted an exacerbation of her asthma symptoms last winter.
  • 3. Poor communication often results in an exacerbation of workplace conflicts.
  • 4. Pollution causes an exacerbation of respiratory conditions in urban areas.

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