figurative. transitive. To cause or allow (a negative feeling, such as anger) to grow worse or more intense over time. Also: to corrupt; to affect…

transitive. To render (a sore) festered, to cause to rankle. Also figurative.

figurative. To render (persons or feelings) virulent, intensely hostile or discontented; to exacerbate, intensify (a quarrel, etc.).

To infect with rancour, make rancorous. transitive. With inanimate subject (often a feeling).

(transitive) to embitter, make sour.