worsen
Etymology

From Middle English wursnen; equivalent to worse + -en.

Pronunciation
  • (America) IPA: /ˈwɝsn̩/
  • (RP) IPA: /ˈwɜːsn̩/
Verb

worsen (worsens, present participle worsening; simple past and past participle worsened)

  1. (transitive) To make worse; to impair.
    The global warming has worsened the weather.
    • 1829, Robert Southey, “(please specify the page)”, in Sir Thomas More: or, Colloquies on the Progress and Prospects of Society. […], volume (please specify |volume=I or II), London: John Murray, […], →OCLC ↗:
      It is apparent that, in the particular point of which we have been conversing, their condition is greatly worsened.
  2. (intransitive) To become worse; to get worse.
    The weather has worsened.
  3. (transitive, obsolete) To get the better of; to worst.
Synonyms Antonyms Translations Translations


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