exacerbate - eks-ZASS-sir-BAIT - to aggravate, make worse, inflame
Example: "Some auto dealers like the "Cash for Clunkers" deal, while others think in the long run it only exacerbates the financial problem."
As a starter: and as a former teacher in English, I hope to add to reader's vocabulary by presenting a word a day in simple terms that anyone can understand - from current use in publications, radio,TV, etc. Remember: use a new word three times in a day and it's yours forever!