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

But for such a poor offensive output against the world champions — the Rockets converted just 36 percent of their field goals and 27 percent of their 3s and scored 30 points in the second half — Udoka’s postgame discussion oddly wasn’t laced with anger or vitriol. —Kelly Iko, The Athletic, 3 Jan. 2025

The vitriol caused Thelma Krause to burst into tears in the middle of the United Center court. —Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 1 Jan. 2025

Some of the vitriol directed at professional organizers no doubt arises from a misplaced disgust that anyone would profit from this mess. —Jennifer Wilson, The New Yorker, 16 Dec. 2024

Killing spurs online vitriol toward insurance companies Thomspon, 50, was fatally shot outside a Midtown Manhattan hotel on his way to speak at an annual investor conference. —Bailey Schulz, The Courier-Journal, 11 Dec. 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