What does it mean to exacerbate a situation?

To exacerbate a situation means to make it worse. This term often applies in contexts where a problem or conflict is already present, and certain actions or decisions contribute to its deterioration. For instance, if someone responds to a disagreement with anger or insults, their behavior may exacerbate the conflict, leading to increased tension or hostility among those involved.

The notion of exacerbation emphasizes the idea that there are factors at play that can intensify difficulties rather than alleviate them. In many scenarios, identifying and avoiding exacerbation is crucial for conflict resolution or problem-solving.