verb
to cause to become increasingly bitter or severe
foolish words that only exacerbated the quarrel
Synonyms: acerbate, embitter, envenom
Related Word: annoy, exasperate, irritate, provoke; aggravate, heighten, intensify; inflame
Idioms: add fuel to the flame, fan the flames, feed the fire, pour oil on the fire
Contrasted words: appease, mollify, pacify, placate, quell; lessen, moderate
Antonyms: assuage