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exasperate vs. exacerbate

exasperate
[ig-zas-puh-reyt] / ɪgˈzæs pəˌreɪt /

verb (used with object)

exasperated, exasperating

  1. to irritate or provoke to a high degree; annoy extremely.

    He was exasperated by the senseless delays.
    Synonyms:
    infuriate, inflame, vex, anger, provoke, incense

  2. Archaic. to increase the intensity or violence of (disease, pain, feelings, etc.).

    Synonyms:
    exacerbate

adjective

  1. Botany. rough; covered with hard, projecting points, as a leaf.

exacerbate
[ig-zas-er-beyt, ek-sas-] / ɪgˈzæs ərˌbeɪt, ɛkˈsæs- /

verb (used with object)

exacerbated, exacerbating

  1. to increase the severity, bitterness, or violence of (disease, ill feeling, etc.); aggravate.

    Synonyms:
    worsen, inflame, intensify, intensify
    Antonyms:
    alleviate, soothe, soothe, relieve

  2. to embitter the feelings of (a person); irritate; exasperate.