vitriolize

vitriolize

A chemist carefully vitriolizes the metal sample in the laboratory.

Definition

Vitriolize (verb — transitive)

  1. To treat or combine with vitriol (sulfuric acid): The chemical process of converting a substance into a sulfate or applying sulfuric acid to it.
  2. To attack or assault with sulfuric acid: Historically, to throw sulfuric acid into someone's face as a form of punishment or revenge.
  3. To poison or corrupt with bitter, caustic language: Figuratively, to speak to or about someone in a harsh, venomous, or deeply critical manner.
Usage Examples
  • Chemical meaning:
    • The chemist decided to vitriolize the metal sample to create a sulfate compound. (To treat with sulfuric acid to form a sulfate.)
  • Physical assault meaning:
    • In a horrific crime, the assailant attempted to vitriolize his victim by throwing acid in her face. (To attack with sulfuric acid.)
  • Figurative meaning:
    • The critic's review seemed designed to vitriolize the author's reputation with scathing remarks. (To poison or corrupt with bitter language.)
Advanced Usage
  • "to vitriolize a debate": To introduce harsh, personal attacks into a discussion, making it toxic.
    • The politician's speech vitriolized the entire debate, turning it into a shouting match. (To make the debate bitter and hostile.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Vitriol (noun): Sulfuric acid; also, bitter, caustic language.
    • Her speech was full of vitriol against her opponents. (Harsh criticism.)
  • Vitriolic (adjective): Filled with bitter criticism or malice.
    • The vitriolic comments in the forum were quickly removed. (Harsh, venomous.)
  • Vitriolization (noun): The act or process of vitriolizing.
    • The vitriolization of the ore was a key step in the industrial process. (Chemical treatment with vitriol.)
Synonyms
  • Sulfate (verb): To convert into a sulfate (chemical sense).
  • Acidify: To make acidic (related to the chemical process).
  • Poison (verb): To corrupt or harm with venom (figurative sense).
  • Vilify: To speak about someone in a highly critical, abusive manner (figurative sense).
Phrasal Verbs
Related Idioms
  • "Pour vitriol on": To attack with harsh criticism or abuse.
    • The newspaper column poured vitriol on the new policy. (To criticize severely.)
  • "Vitriol-tongued": Someone who speaks with bitter, caustic words.
    • His vitriol-tongued remarks alienated his colleagues. (He spoke harshly.)