加剧 jiājù to intensify
How to remember 加剧: 加 to add + 剧 theatrical plays = to intensify.
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How it is used
- To intensify or worsen - used of negative trends and tensions: 矛盾加剧 (máodùn jiājù) the conflict intensifies, 加剧污染 (jiājù wūrǎn) aggravate pollution.
- Almost always about bad things getting worse, unlike neutral 加强 (jiāqiáng, strengthen) which is usually positive/deliberate.
- Formal, common in news and analysis.