This is the 13917th most frequent Russian word.
обострение
"Обострение" - exacerbation, aggravation, or escalation.
Here, 'обострение' is used to mean a worsening or intensification of a situation, specifically politically.
В этом месяце наблюдалось обострение политической ситуации.
This month there has been an escalation in the political situation.
In this context, 'обострение' describes a flare-up or increase in severity of a medical condition.
Осенью у пациента опять произошло обострение хронического заболевания.
In the fall, the patient experienced another exacerbation of a chronic disease.
Here, 'обострение' refers to the heightened or intensified nature of disagreements or conflicts.