Word of the Week

My word for this week is exacerbate. This is a word that I actually use a lot in conversation- perhaps more frequently than I actually should- but it is fun to see who gives me a confused look when it comes out of my mouth. Plus, I really like the word.

EXACERBATE

pronunciation: \ig-ˈza-sər-ˌbāt\
Part of Speech: transitive verb
Etymology: From Latin exacerbatus, past participle of exacerbare, from ex- + acerbus harsh

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

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

Colleen's sentence: After my foot was broken while playing soccer, Ashley accidentally stepped on it which exacerbated the pain.

I saw this word today in an article on CNN.com about the failing stock market. I thought they used the word particularly well because I can imagine that many people's fears are exacerbated with the Dow dropping 300 points. .

Again, I chose it because it is such a great word and one that I use all the time.