Definition of "worsen" in English

verb

1. (transitive) To make worse; to impair.

   • Near-synonyms: aggravate, exacerbate; degrade, deteriorate; see also Thesaurus:aggravate
   • Global warming has worsened the weather.
   • As for further retaliation: adding such fuel to the fire, as it were, will only worsen the already unpleasant state of affairs.

2. (intransitive) To become worse; to get worse.

   • The weather has worsened.

3. (transitive, obsolete) To get the better of; to worst.