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ex·as·per·ate

exasperate

 
 
pronunciation:
ihg zae sp reIt
features:
Word Combinations (verb), Word Explorer, Word Parts
part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: exasperates, exasperating, exasperated
definition 1: to annoy or irritate greatly; cause to lose patience.
The student's refusal to do any homework exasperated the teacher.
synonyms:
irk, provoke, rile, tee off
antonyms:
appease, mollify, please
similar words:
aggravate, annoy, bug, frustrate, goad, irritate, miff, nettle, peeve, plague, prod, rankle, ruffle, vex
definition 2: to increase the intensity or severity of (suffering, anger, or the like).
Tempers were flaring among those waiting in line, and the heat of the day exasperated the situation.
synonyms:
aggravate, exacerbate, heighten
antonyms:
appease
similar words:
intensify, nettle, pique, worsen
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