verschlechtern
Translation
to worsen, to deteriorate, to aggravate
Examples
Das Wetter hat sich verschlechtert.
The weather has worsened.
Rauchen verschlechtert die Gesundheit.
Smoking worsens one's health.
Grammar Patterns
sichAkk verschlechtern to worsen, to deteriorate (reflexive) The weather has worsened.
((sth.)) verschlechtern to worsen (sth.) (transitive) Smoking worsens one's health.
Similar Words
Synonyms: sich verschlimmern, sich zuspitzen; Antonyms: verbessern, sich erholen
Etymology
From the prefix 'ver-' (indicating a change, often for the worse) + 'schlechter' (comparative of 'schlecht', meaning 'worse'). Literally 'to make worse'.
Memory Tips
Think of 'ver-' as making something 'schlechter' (worse). The situation is getting *ver*-y bad and *schlechter*.