exacerbate

/ɪkˈsæs-/verb

To make a bad situation, problem, or unpleasant feeling even worse.

Example sentence

“Scratching the rash will only exacerbate the itching.”

Its object is always something already bad: tensions, shortages, an injury. Saying a move exacerbated the situation implies the situation was bad.

Related words

exaltTo praise someone highly or treat them with great honor and respect.evokeTo bring out a feeling, memory, or response; to call something forth.examA short form of the verb examine: to look at something closely and carefully.evocativeBringing strong memories, feelings, or mental pictures to mind.exasperateTo annoy someone so much that their patience wears out; to make angry.evidentEasy to see or understand just by looking; plainly clear.