Acrimony

Ac·ri·mo·ny

Acrimony

n.

pl. Acrimonies

  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]
  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.
    In his official letters he expressed, with great acrimony, his contempt for the king's character.
    It is no very cynical asperity not to confess obligations where no benefit has been received.
    A just reverence of mankind prevents the growth of harshness and brutality.
    — Shaftesbury.