HealthJuly 6, 2026
exacerbation
/ɪɡˌzæsərˈbeɪʃən/
Definition
An increase in the severity or intensity of a medical condition or symptom.
Etymology
The word originates from the Latin 'exacerbare', meaning 'to make harsh or bitter.' It entered English through Middle French and Latin, preserving the root sense of making an already difficult situation significantly worse.
In the news
In the article, the author explains how intense political polarization can trigger physical and mental health issues, specifically causing exacerbations of conditions like depression, chronic pain, and irritable bowel syndrome.
Opinion: Erosion of the common good in our national health care system
Read the full article ↗CT Mirror