Definitions for: Acrimony


[n] a sharp and bitter manner



Webster (1913) Definition: Ac"ri*mo*ny, n.; pl. Acrimonies. [L. acrimonia, fr.
acer, sharp: cf. F. acrimonie.]
1. A quality of bodies which corrodes or destroys others;
also, a harsh or biting sharpness; as, the acrimony of the
juices of certain plants. [Archaic] --Bacon.

2. Sharpness or severity, as of language or temper;
irritating bitterness of disposition or manners.

John the Baptist set himself with much acrimony and
indignation to baffle this senseless arrogant
conceit of theirs. --South.

Syn: Acrimony, Asperity, Harshness, Tartness.

Usage: These words express different degrees of angry feeling
or language. Asperity and harshness arise from angry
feelings, connected with a disregard for the feelings
of others. Harshness usually denotes needless severity
or an undue measure of severity. Acrimony is a biting
sharpness produced by an imbittered spirit. Tartness
denotes slight asperity and implies some degree of
intellectual readiness. Tartness of reply; harshness
of accusation; acrimony of invective.

In his official letters he expressed, with great
acrimony, his contempt for the king's character.
--Macaulay.

It is no very cynical asperity not to confess
obligations where no benefit has been received.
--Johnson.

A just reverence of mankind prevents the growth
of harshness and brutality. --Shaftesbury.

Synonyms: acerbity, bitterness, jaundice

See Also: disagreeableness

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