Meaning & use

Compounds

verb·Everyday

Last updated

Makes a problem or situation worse by adding another element to it, or combines parts to form something whole.

See it in a sentence

Missing the deadline only compounds the project's existing delays.

The lab compounds several chemicals to create the new medicine.

A note on using this word

Also used as a noun to mean a chemical substance made of two or more elements, or an enclosed area containing a group of buildings.

Words with a similar meaning

aggravatesintensifiescombines

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

alleviatesreduces

Another way to use it

2. noun

A substance formed by the chemical combination of two or more elements.

Water is a compound made of hydrogen and oxygen.

3. noun

A fenced or walled area containing a group of buildings.

The embassy compound was heavily guarded.

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