embitterment
Becoming hardened inside
Embitterment is the state of being embittered—harboring resentment or cynicism, typically from prolonged disappointment or perceived injustice.
The term appears in psychology to describe chronic bitterness following a significant life event: His embitterment after the divorce colored every relationship that followed.
Where bitterness might be fleeting, embitterment suggests something that has settled in and taken hold.
Persistent resentment toward someone
- rancorLasting bitter resentment
- acrimonyBitter ill will
- indignationAnger from mistreatment
- grievanceFormal claim of unfairness
spite · umbrage · pique · discontent · antipathy · vexation · displeasure · offense
Active opposition or hostility
- enmityBitter, lasting ill will
- animosityActive, bitter hostility
- hatredIntense hostile aversion
- malevolenceActive ill will
contempt · loathing · aversion · detestation · animus · odium · vendetta · feud
Distrust of human sincerity
- disappointmentSadness from unmet expectations
- letdownFailure to satisfy expectations
- disenchantmentLoss of cherished belief
- jadednessDulled enthusiasm from excess
dashed hopes · pessimism · lost faith · betrayal · deflation · disaffection · world-weary · hardened
Emotional separation between people
- isolationComplete separation from others
- detachmentSeparation or emotional uninvolvement
- disconnectionState of being severed
- withdrawalAct of taking away
marginalization · exclusion · ostracism · separation · loneliness · outcast · displaced · cut off
Intense sorrow from loss
- heartacheDeep emotional distress
- anguishIntense mental suffering
- sufferingSustained experience of distress
- woeGreat sorrow or distress
mourning · despair · misery · desolation · melancholy · dejection · dolor · forlornness
grudge
Persistent resentment toward someone
- rancorLasting bitter resentment
- acrimonyBitter ill will
- indignationAnger from mistreatment
grievance · spite · umbrage · pique · discontent · antipathy · vexation · displeasure · offense · affront
antagonism
Active opposition or hostility
malevolence · contempt · loathing · aversion · detestation · animus · odium · vendetta · feud · bad blood
cynicism
Distrust of human sincerity
- disappointmentSadness from unmet expectations
- letdownFailure to satisfy expectations
- disenchantmentLoss of cherished belief
dashed hopes · jadedness · pessimism · lost faith · betrayal · deflation · disaffection · world-weary · hardened · soured
estrangement
Emotional separation between people
- isolationComplete separation from others
- detachmentSeparation or emotional uninvolvement
- disconnectionState of being severed
withdrawal · marginalization · exclusion · ostracism · separation · loneliness · outcast · displaced · cut off · shut out
grief
Intense sorrow from loss
- heartacheDeep emotional distress
- anguishIntense mental suffering
- sufferingSustained experience of distress
woe · mourning · despair · misery · desolation · melancholy · dejection · dolor · forlornness · hopelessness
embittermentkindness
Considerate, caring disposition
warmth · goodwill · benevolence · trust · openheartedness
embittermentforgiveness
Releasing resentment toward offenders
reconciliation · acceptance · letting go · making peace · healing
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