embitter

[ em-bit-er ]

See synonyms for: embitter embittered embitterment on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object)

to make bitter; cause to feel bitterness: Failure has embittered him.
to make bitter or more bitter in taste.

Origin of embitter

First recorded in 1595–1605; em-¹ + bitter

Also imbitter.

Other words for embitter

1	sour, rankle, envenom

See synonyms for embitter on Thesaurus.com

Other words from embitter

em·bit·ter·er, noun
em·bit·ter·ment, noun
un·em·bit·tered, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use embitter in a sentence

Being mad about growing up an embittered, socially isolated nerd.
From Socially Isolated Nerd to Jeopardy! Bad Boy: A Thank You Note | Arthur Chu | November 27, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Those who remained became increasingly embittered—and determined to mount a new challenge against the regime.
Poland’s Warmed-Over Cold Warrior | Andrew Nagorski | May 29, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
A victor splintered and embittered, careening into the Third Reich.
‘The Embrace of Unreason’: How France Lost It All Between the Wars | Michael Korda | May 4, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Their coalition seemed to have dwindled to an embittered band of older white Southern men.
How Ted Cruz Can Win in 2016 | David Frum | October 25, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST
The wife is an embittered, odious, and vigilant presence in the house.
Book Bag: André Aciman’s Favorite Novellas of Unconsummated Loves | André Aciman | January 1, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST

And a severe, embittered struggle then took place in a heart that seemed strangely divided against itself.
The Wave | Algernon Blackwood
How would the involuntary accusation have been embittered, had he known that the Empress drew the same conclusion!
The Pastor's Fire-side Vol. 3 of 4 | Jane Porter
And she had struggled valiantly against becoming an embittered old maid; in the main, had succeeded.
Ancestors | Gertrude Atherton
Her touch-word, 'scissors,' spoiled his finest bon mots, and embittered his grandest entertainment—it was flame to tow.
Alone | Marion Harland
Prussia was regaining her strength too rapidly; her embittered hostility was an ever-increasing menace.
The Life of Napoleon Bonaparte | William Milligan Sloane

British Dictionary definitions for embitter

embitter

/ (ɪmˈbɪtə) /

verb(tr)

to make (a person) resentful or bitter
to aggravate (an already hostile feeling, difficult situation, etc)

Derived forms of embitter

embittered, adjective
embitterer, noun
embitterment, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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