acerbate
/əˈsɜrbeɪt/
verb
- To make a situation, feeling, or condition worse or more intense; to aggravate.
- The delay in funding acerbated the already difficult financial crisis.
- Ignoring the problem will only acerbate the conflict between the two groups.
- His rude remarks only served to acerbate the tension in the room.
- To make something sour or bitter in taste.
- The fermentation process can acerbate the fruit juice if left too long.
- Adding too much vinegar can acerbate the sauce, making it unpleasant.
- She accidentally used spoiled milk, which acerbated the flavor of the pudding.