Imbittering

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. Causing a person to develop feelings of bitterness or resentment
2. Producing a sense of anger or deep disappointment in someone
3. Inducing a negative emotional state characterized by resentment or hostility

Etymology: "Imbittering" is the present participle of "imbitter," which is simply "im-" attached to "bitter." The prefix "im-" is a variant of "en-" (also spelled "em-" before "b" and "p"), a form that carries the sense of putting something into a state or condition. To imbitter someone, then, is to put them into a bitter state, which is why the verb today describes stirring up anger or deep disappointment. The more common sibling "embitter" follows the same pattern, and the two words have existed side by side in English for centuries, with "embitter" the far more familiar form. "Imbitter" is the less usual spelling of the same idea, and its meaning is essentially identical.

Synonyms: embittering, distressing, souring, depressing, upsetting

Antonyms: soothing, calming, comforting, pleasing, delighting