erschweren
Translation
to make difficult, to complicate, to aggravate, to impede
Examples
Der Nebel erschwert die Sicht.
The fog makes visibility difficult.
Neue Regeln erschweren den Handel.
New rules complicate trade.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to make sth. difficult The storm makes the rescue difficult.
Similar Words
Synonyms: komplizieren, behindern; Antonyms: erleichtern
Etymology
From the prefix 'er-' (causative) and 'schwer' (heavy, difficult). Literally 'to make difficult'.
Memory Tips
Picture adding a 'schwer' (heavy) weight to something, which complicates it or makes it harder.