acerbate Definition
to make a situation worse or more severe, especially causing increased bitterness or irritation.
Using acerbate: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "acerbate" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
His constant complaining only served to acerbate the situation.
Example
The new policy has acerbated tensions between the two countries.
Example
Her criticism only acerbated the already tense atmosphere in the room.
acerbate Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with acerbate
Example
Her acerbic wit was both feared and admired by her colleagues.
Example
The lemon had an acerbic taste that made my mouth pucker.
Example
Her acerbic tongue often got her into trouble with her friends and family.
Origins of acerbate
from Latin 'acerbare', meaning 'to make sour'
Summary: acerbate in Brief
'Acerbate' [ˈæsərbeɪt] is a verb that means to make a situation worse or more severe, often causing increased bitterness or irritation. Examples include 'His constant complaining only served to acerbate the situation,' and 'The new policy has acerbated tensions between the two countries.' 'Acerbic wit,' 'acerbic taste,' and 'acerbic tongue' are phrases that use 'acerbic' to describe a sharp, biting style of humor or commentary, a sour or bitter taste, and a sharp and critical way of speaking, respectively.