EXACERBATE

to make worse or more severe
SYN - aggravate, worsen

Exasperate or irritate

"He realized soon enough that his presence in the room was only going to exacerbate the already tense situation between the two woman."

"Her actions ended up having an exacerbating effect on his already deteriorating mental condition."

"The last thing she had hoped to do was exacerbate his already low self-esteem, but at the same time she could no longer be in a relationship she wasn't passionate about."

"The cold weather exacerbated his pains."