vitriol

noun

vit·​ri·​ol ˈvi-trē-əl 

1

: bitterly harsh or caustic language or criticism

political commentators spewing angry vitriol

Rumor has always played a role in politics, but rarely have the backstage operatives been so adroit, and so cynical, in their use of vitriol.

—Walter Shapiro

Cascades of multisyllabic vitriol engulf us as Conrad communicates his utter loathing of television …

—Stanley Marcus

2

a

: a sulfate of any of various metals (such as copper, iron, or zinc)

especially : a glassy hydrate of such a sulfate

b

: oil of vitriol

vitriolic

ˌvi-trē-ˈä-lik 

adjective

vitriolic personal attacks

a vitriolic debate/dispute

Synonyms

• acidity
• acidness
• acridity
• acridness
• acrimony
• asperity
• bile
• bitterness
• cattiness
• corrosiveness
• mordancy
• tartness
• virulence
• virulency

Examples of vitriol in a Sentence

His speech was full of political vitriol.

a film critic noted for the vitriol and sometimes outright cruelty of his pronouncements

Recent Examples on the Web

Author Stephen King has also used his platform to relentlessly criticize Republicans, yet such vitriol doesn't seem to persuade voters any more than celebrity endorsements do. —Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024

The killing sparked a wave of online vitriol about the U.S. health care system, and Anthem BCBS’s decision roared into the conversation. —Mustafa Fattah, NBC News, 6 Dec. 2024

For the first and last time ever, the House turned to the 12th Amendment to settle a stalemate in that year’s presidential election—and set the stage for a new era of political vitriol. —Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Dec. 2024

For many, the end can’t come soon enough; the political tension is so thick, and many people just want a reprieve from the vitriol and stress. —Andrea Kane, CNN, 5 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French vitriole, from Medieval Latin vitriolum, alteration of Late Latin vitreolum, neuter of vitreolus glassy, from Latin vitreus vitreous

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Phrases Containing vitriol

• blue vitriol
• oil of vitriol

Kids Definition

vitriol

noun

vit·​ri·​ol ˈvi-trē-əl 

: something (as written or spoken words) thought to be as harsh and burning as acid

Medical Definition

vitriol

noun

vit·​ri·​ol ˈvi-trē-əl 

1

: a sulfate of any of various metals (as copper, iron, or zinc)

2

: oil of vitriol