Definition

1. Noun:

   • Bitter, abusive, or venomous language: "Vitriol" refers to harsh, cruel, or hateful speech filled with blame, censure, or deep-seated ill will.
   • (Chemistry) A sulfate of a metal, especially sulfuric acid: In chemistry, "vitriol" historically refers to certain sulfate compounds, most notably sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄), known for its corrosive properties.

2. Verb:

   • To subject to bitter verbal abuse: To attack someone with harsh, cruel, and abusive language.
   • To expose to or injure with vitriol (sulfuric acid): To treat something with or damage it using the corrosive chemical.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Language):
  • The political debate was filled with personal vitriol.
  • Her review of the film was pure vitriol, attacking the director's character.
• Noun (Chemical):
  • The old alchemist worked with oil of vitriol.
  • Blue vitriol is copper sulfate.
• Verb (Verbal Attack):
  • The critic vitrioled the author in a scathing article.
• Verb (Chemical Attack):
  • The vandal vitrioled the statue, causing permanent damage.

Advanced Usage

• "Hurl vitriol": To direct bitter abuse at someone.
  • The anonymous commenters hurled vitriol at the journalist.
• "A torrent of vitriol": A large, overwhelming amount of abusive speech.
  • His speech unleashed a torrent of vitriol against his opponents.

Variants and Related Words

• Vitriolic (adj): Characterized by bitter, scathing, or caustic criticism or language.
  • She launched a vitriolic attack on the policy.
• Vitriolically (adv): In a vitriolic manner.
  • He spoke vitriolically about his former colleagues.

Synonyms

• Noun (Language): Invective, vituperation, bile, rancor, acrimony, abuse.
• Noun (Chemical): Sulfuric acid, oil of vitriol.
• Verb (Verbal): Vilify, lambaste, excoriate, berate, revile.

Related Phrases

• "Full of vitriol": Describes speech or writing that is extremely bitter and hateful.
  • His letter was full of vitriol.
• "Drip vitriol": To consistently express bitter malice.
  • The anonymous blog seemed to drip vitriol with every post.

Noun

1. abusive or venomous language used to express blame or censure or bitter deep-seated ill will
2. (H2SO4) a highly corrosive acid made from sulfur dioxide; widely used in the chemical industry

Verb

1. subject to bitter verbal abuse
2. expose to the effects of vitriol or injure with vitriol