exacerbation
Ex*ac`er*ba"tion n. Etym: [Cf. F. exacerbation.] 1. The act rendering more violent or bitter; the state of being exacerbated or intensified in violence or malignity; as, exacerbation of passion. 2. (Med.) Defn: A periodical increase of violence in a disease, as in remittent or continious fever; an increased energy of diseased and painful action.