Final answer:
The word exacerbate is derived from the prefix "ex-" meaning "out" or "thoroughly" and the word "acerbus" meaning "harsh" or "bitter". Based on etymology, the word exacerbate means to make a situation worse or more intense.
Step-by-step explanation:
The word exacerbate is derived from the prefix ex- meaning "out" or "thoroughly" and the word acerbus meaning "harsh" or "bitter". Based on etymology, the word exacerbate means to make a situation worse or more intense. For example, if someone were to exacerbate a conflict by adding fuel to the fire, they would be making the conflict worse.
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