verschlimmern
Translation
to worsen, to aggravate, to exacerbate
Examples
Das Wetter verschlimmerte die Lage.
The weather worsened the situation.
Sein Zustand hat sich verschlimmert.
His condition has worsened.
Grammar Patterns
((et4)) to worsen sth. Smoking worsens the cough.
((sich)) to get worse, to deteriorate. The situation has worsened.
Similar Words
Synonyms: verschlechtern; Antonyms: verbessern, lindern
Etymology
From `ver-` (prefix indicating change, often for the worse) + `schlimm` (bad) + `-ern` (verb suffix). Literally 'to make badder'.
Memory Tips
It contains the word `schlimm` (bad), so you can easily guess the meaning 'to make bad'. The `ver-` prefix often indicates a negative change.