npub1nyy6kp0m4es9njw73yl8320nmyu2rvkww0m0vvlcajd9w5hccy6q805dms (npub1nyy…5dms) I'm checking a dictionary now, to make sure.
It mentions two senses:
1. (actively) propel a crisis to a maximum (in order to create a revolution)
2. create the impression that a (crisis) situation is far worse than it is
I must admit I have only heard it used in the 2nd sense. I'm assuming it derives figuratively from the 1st sense.