Question

seen. prior to the collapse, the market had seen several days of rocky trading, and eventually fear set in. people tried to unload their stocks before they lost everything, which caused stock prices to plummet. the problem was exacerbated by rumors that even bankers were selling their stocks, causing prices to drop further. over sixteen mi shares of stock were sold on black tuesday, and billions of dollars were lost. the crash signaled the beginning of a lasting economic downturn that came to be known as the great depression.
what is the meaning of exacerbated as used in the passage?
made worse
lessened
highlighted
created

Explanation:

To determine the meaning of "exacerbated", we analyze the context. The passage states that rumors (about bankers selling stocks) caused prices to drop further. So the problem (stock price decline) was made worse. "Lessened" means to reduce, which is opposite. "Highlighted" means to emphasize, not related. "Created" implies starting, but the problem already existed. So "made worse" fits.

Answer:

made worse