Root : acri/acer

means sourness or bitterness.

Origin: Latin; ‘acerbus’

ACRID

adjective
>> having an irritatingly strong and unpleasant taste or smell.

>>> angry and bitter.

Usage :

The director was given an acrid farewell.
The garbage when burnt, gave off acrid fumes.

ACRIMONY

noun
>> bitterness or ill feeling.

Usage :

Despite acrimony for each other, the two brothers have a lot in common.
The council forum scheduled to discuss the labor relationships ended with acrimony.

ACRIMONIOUS

adjective
>> (typically of speech or a debate) angry and bitter.

Usage :

The union held an acrimonious debate about wages.

EXACERBATE

verb
>> make (a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling) worse.

Usage :
. The forest fire was exacerbated by the lack of rain.
. To exacerbate the matters, John even bought a copy of the endorsement.

ACERBIC

adjective
>> (esp. of a comment or style of speaking) sharp and forthright.
>> tasting sour or bitter.

Usage :

His acerbic wit won him the award.
John was on an acerbic diet for a few days to increase his citrus levels.