Embitter

//ɪmˈbɪtə// verb

Definitions

Verb
  1. 1
    To cause (something) to be or taste bitter; to bitter. archaic, transitive
  2. 2
    cause to be bitter or resentful wordnet
  3. 3
    To cause (a positive quality such as happiness, or a thing such as an activity or one's life) to become less good or pleasurable; also, to make (a negative quality, or thing such as a disagreement) worse or more unpleasant. figuratively, transitive

    "He imbitters not a diſtaſtfull meſſage to a forrein Prince by his indiſcretion in delivering it."

  4. 4
    To cause (someone or their feelings) to become more angry, resentful, or unfriendly; to envenom. figuratively, transitive

    "Sometimes it [pride] ſtirreth vp men, and imboldeneth them to offer vvrongs: ſometimes imbittereth men; and maketh them vvayvvard againſt the right: […]"

Etymology

From em- (variant of the suffix en- with the sense ‘to become’) + bitter.

Next best steps

Mini challenge

Unscramble this word: embitter