▪ I.acerbate,ppl.a.|əˈsɜːbət|[ad.L. acerbāt-uspa.pple.of acerbā-re to embitter; seeprec.and -ate2.]Embittered, exasperated; severe.1869Echo 16 Sept. 1/3The very faults of a fat man are less acerbate than those of other people.
▪ II.acerbate,v.|ˈæsəbeɪt|[f.L. acerbāt-ppl.stem of acerbā-re to embitter;f.acerb-us bitter, harsh.]To sour or embitter; usually fig.to exasperate.[1731In Bailey, vol. II. 1818 In Toddn.q.]
1845LyttonZanoniEp.Ded.,The ignoble jealousy and the sordid strife which degrade and acerbate the ambition of Genius.
1862A. TrollopeN.Amer.I. 86The Canadians..have been vexed and acerbated by the braggadocio of the Northern States.
