exacerbating

aggravate annoy heighten inflame intensify irritate provoke worsen

embitter enrage envenom exasperate excite increase madden vex

add insult to injury egg on fan the flames feed the fire go from bad to worse heat up hit on push one's button rattle one's cage rub salt in a wound

aid alleviate appease calm delight help improve make happy please soothe

comfort compose pacify placate