acerbate

[ verb as-er-beyt; adjective uh-sur-bit ]

verb (used with object)

, ac·er·bat·ed, ac·er·bat·ing.

1. to make sour or bitter.
2. to exasperate.

adjective

1. embittered.

acerbate

/ ˈæsəˌbeɪt /

verb

1. to embitter or exasperate
2. to make sour or bitter

Word History and Origins

Origin of acerbate¹

1725–35; < Latin acerbātus, past participle of acerbāre to make bitter. See acerbic, -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of acerbate¹

C18: from Latin acerbātus, past participle of acerbāre to make sour

Example Sentences

Lady Laura had triumphed; but she had no desire to acerbate her husband by any unpalatable allusion to her victory.

From Project Gutenberg

The poor girl had not spirit sufficient to upbraid her friend; nor did it suit her now to acerbate an enemy.

From Project Gutenberg