embitter

[em-bit-er]

verb (used with object)

1. to make bitter; cause to feel bitterness.

   Failure has embittered him.

   Synonyms: envenom, rankle, sour

2. to make bitter or more bitter in taste.

embitter

/ ɪmˈbɪtə /

verb

1. to make (a person) resentful or bitter

2. to aggravate (an already hostile feeling, difficult situation, etc)

Other Word Forms

• embitterer noun
• embitterment noun
• unembittered adjective
• embittered adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of embitter¹

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

Example Sentences

He has bragged and bullied in a way that has shamed America, insulted Iran and embittered Muslims throughout the world.

From Salon

The anguish that erupts during this “Rose’s Turn” represents more than the built-up sorrow of one embittered woman.

From Los Angeles Times

It is from that embittered class that authoritarian populism gets its followers.

From Salon

As Lamar grins through the bright lights of his victory lap, Drake's chosen to sidestep the beef - bar one embittered freestyle denouncing fake friends - and instead focused on repositioning himself.

From BBC

Post-election, the apparently embittered president has been “quiet quitting” — a sad end to what’s been, in its first years, a consequential presidency.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• aggravate 
• annoy 
• disaffect 
• disillusion 
• exacerbate 
• exasperate 
• irritate 
• sour