⇒ 谣言加剧了他们之间的矛盾。 (Yáoyán jiājùle tāmen zhījiān de máodùn.) The allegation made the tension between them worse.
⇒ 这项政策加剧了贫富差距。 (Zhè xiàng zhèngcè jiājùle pínfù chājù.) This policy exacerbates the gap between rich and poor.
To compound a problem, difficulty, or mistake means to make it worse by adding to it.
Additional loss of life will only compound the tragedy.
If a situation or emotion deepens or if something deepens it, it becomes stronger and more intense.
If this is not stopped, the financial crisis will deepen.
To fuel a situation means to make it become worse or more intense.
The result will inevitably fuel speculation about the Prime Minister's future.
If something heightens a feeling or if the feeling heightens, the feeling increases in degree or intensity.