Library / English Dictionary

ACERBATE

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 I. (verb) 

Sense 1

Meaning:

Make sour or bitter

Classified under:

Verbs of size, temperature change, intensifying, etc.

Hypernyms (to "acerbate" is one way to...):

alter; change; modify (cause to change; make different; cause a transformation)

Sentence frame:

Something ----s something

Derivation:

acerbity (a sharp sour taste)

acerbity (a sharp bitterness)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Cause to be bitter or resentful

Example:

These injustices embittered her even more

Synonyms:

acerbate; embitter; envenom

Classified under:

Verbs of feeling

Cause:

resent (feel bitter or indignant about)

Sentence frame:

Something ----s somebody

Derivation:

acerbity (a rough and bitter manner)

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