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View synonyms for

vitriol

[vi-tree-uhl]

noun

  1. Chemistry.any of certain metallic sulfates of glassy appearance, as copper sulfate or blue vitriol, iron sulfate or green vitriol, zinc sulfate or white vitriol, etc.

  2. oil of vitriol; sulfuric acid.

  3. something highly caustic or severe in effect, as criticism.



verb (used with object)

vitrioled, vitrioling , vitriolled, vitriolling .
  1. to treat with or as with vitriol, especially sulfuric acid.

vitriol

/ ˈɪٰɪˌɒ /

noun

  1. another name for sulphuric acid

  2. any one of a number of sulphate salts, such as ferrous sulphate ( green vitriol ), copper sulphate ( blue vitriol ), or zinc sulphate ( white vitriol )

  3. speech, writing, etc, displaying rancour, vituperation, or bitterness

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

verb

  1. to attack or injure with or as if with vitriol

  2. to treat with vitriol

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

vitriol

  1. A former name for sulfuric acid.

  2. Any of various sulfates of metals, such as ferrous sulfate (green vitriol), zinc sulfate, or copper sulfate (blue vitriol).

  3. See also blue vitriol

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Word History and Origins

Origin of vitriol1

1350–1400; Middle English < Medieval Latin vitriolum, vitreolum, equivalent to Latin vitre(us) vitreous + -olum, neuter of -olus -ole 1
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Word History and Origins

Origin of vitriol1

C14: from Medieval Latin vitriolum, from Late Latin vitriolus glassy, from Latin vitrum glass, referring to the glossy appearance of the sulphates
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

He said: "It is hard to find the words to describe the scenes of vitriol and hatred on our streets," adding that is "mindless violence that is simply wrecking communities".

From

Many have been doing the work for decades, but the anti-immigrant vitriol has reached a pitch that has them unnerved like never before.

From

As accusations mounted, Do claimed he was the victim of slander, responding with defiant vitriol against the reporter who broke the story, Nick Gerda, and demanding his firing.

From

"The anger, but more just the vitriol of the whole thing."

From

Not to mention the small universe of radio talk show hosts, podcasters and social media personalities who relentlessly cheer Trump on and spew vitriol at liberal opponents.

From

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