# rub salt in the wound

> English word · Verb

## Definitions
1. To aggravate or exacerbate a physical or emotional injury.

## Etymology
Derived from the stinging sensation of salt deliberately being rubbed into an open, bleeding wound.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-09-03.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/rub-salt-in-the-wound