exacerbation Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun action that makes a problem or a disease (or its symptoms) worse
    aggravation.
    • the aggravation of her condition resulted from lack of care
  2. noun violent and bitter exasperation
    • his foolishness was followed by an exacerbation of their quarrel

WordNet

Ex*ac`er*ba"tion noun
Etymology
Cf. F. exacerbation.
Definitions
  1. The act rendering more violent or bitter; the state of being exacerbated or intensified in violence or malignity; as, exacerbation of passion.
  2. (Med.) A periodical increase of violence in a disease, as in remittent or continious fever; an increased energy of diseased and painful action.

Webster 1913