verb
worsen
WURSN
verb
1
To make or become worse.
"The medication may worsen symptoms in rare cases."
"Her condition worsened overnight."
How to Use Worsen
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo get worse, or to make something get worse.
Common pairings
worsening conditions
worsen the situation
Word Forms
worsened past tense, worsens singular
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The medication may _____ symptoms in rare cases.
Etymology
From Middle English wursnen, built from worse plus the verb-forming suffix "-en" (as in "sharpen" or "widen").