top definitions
related content
examples
british

worsen

[ wur-suhn ]

/ ˈwɜr sən /

SEE SYNONYMS FOR worsen ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with or without object)

to make or become worse.

Origin of worsen

First recorded in 1175–1225, worsen is from the Middle English word worsenen. See worse, -en¹

SYNONYMS FOR worsen

decline, deteriorate, slip, sink.

SEE SYNONYMS FOR worsen ON THESAURUS.COM

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH worsen

aggravate annoy intensify irritate worsen (see synonym study at aggravate) aggravation annoyance intensification irritation worsening

Words nearby worsen

worry beads, worryguts, worrywart, worse, worse for wear, worsen, worser, worset, worship, worship the ground someone walks on, worshipful

Example sentences from the Web for worsens

Every act of selfish pleasure-seeking, untouched by nobler aims, weakens and worsens the soul's life.

The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Galatians |G. G. Findlay
Which worsens the state of poor old Father Hirsch; threatening now really to die, of heart-break and other causes.

History of Friedrich II. of Prussia, Vol. XVI. (of XXI.) |Thomas Carlyle

British Dictionary definitions for worsens

worsen

/ (ˈwɜːsən) /

verb

to grow or cause to grow worse