worsen

If you don't rest your injured ankle, the swelling will likely worsen over time.

(Chinese) 如果你不让受伤的脚踝休息，肿胀可能会随时间而恶化。

Ongoing political tension could worsen the current economic crisis in the country.

(Chinese) 持续的政治紧张局势可能会恶化该国目前的经济危机。