1. to make harsh or bitter; to irritate or exasperate
Usage: formal

Examples

• The politician’s harsh comments only served to acerbate the tensions between the two parties.
• Her criticism acerbated his already wounded pride.
• The delay in payment acerbated the relationship between the contractor and client.
• Rather than resolve the dispute, his intervention acerbated the conflict.
• The bitter cold acerbated the refugees’ suffering.
• His sarcastic tone acerbated an already difficult conversation.