'Exacerbation' definitions:

Definition of 'exacerbation'

From: WordNet
noun
Action that makes a problem or a disease (or its symptoms) worse; "the aggravation of her condition resulted from lack of care" [syn: aggravation, exacerbation]
noun
Violent and bitter exasperation; "his foolishness was followed by an exacerbation of their quarrel"

Definition of 'Exacerbation'

From: GCIDE
  • Exacerbation \Ex*ac`er*ba"tion\ ([e^]gz*[a^]s`[~e]r*b[=a]"sh[u^]n) n. [Cf. F. exacerbation.]
  • 1. The act of rendering more violent or bitter; the state of being exacerbated or intensified in violence or malignity; as, exacerbation of passion. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. (Med.) A periodical increase of violence in a disease, as in remittent or continuous fever; an increased energy of diseased and painful action. [1913 Webster]