Exasperate

(egz-), v. t. [imp. & p. p. EXASPERATED; p. pr. & vb. n. EXASPERATING.] [Lat. exasperare, exasperatum, from prefix ex and asperare, to make rough, from asper, rough, harsh, cruel, fierce; Fr. exaspérer.] 1. To irritate in a high degree; to provoke; to enrage; to excite or to inflame the anger of; as, to exasperate a person or his passions. To exasperate you to make your dormouse valor. Shak. 2. To make grievous, or more grievous or malignant; to aggravate; to imbitter; as, to exasperate enmity. Exasperated at the vanity of its labors. Parnell. Syn.—To irritate; provoke. See IRRITATE.