verb
- to form into curds or lumps, especially when milk or other liquid separates or coagulates
- to cause something to become unpleasant or go wrong
Usage: figurative
Examples
- The milk curdles when you add lemon juice to it.
- Heat causes the cream to curdle in the soup.
- His rude behavior curdles the friendly atmosphere.
- The bad news curdles my excitement about the trip.
- Yogurt curdles if you heat it too quickly.
- Her smile curdles when she sees the mess.