vitriol

noun

vit·​ri·​ol ˈvi-trē-əl How to pronounce vitriol (audio)
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
vitriolic adjective
vitriolic personal attacks
a vitriolic debate/dispute

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 Trending Mulvaney, unfortunately, has been the target of this kind of vitriol before. Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 11 Mar. 2024 But every year there is at least one person who seems to become the target of vitriol for coming off too desperate, wanting the win too badly. Jenelle Riley, Variety, 6 Mar. 2024 Extreme scrutiny and online vitriol are high prices to pay. Terry Tang, Fortune, 4 Mar. 2024 And still others that direct vitriol at her son, a college student. Ken Bensinger, New York Times, 22 Feb. 2024 In January, at the age of 27, Robinson resigned and suspended his mayoral run to protect himself and his family from the vitriol. Claire Wang, NBC News, 12 Feb. 2024 When Transmission Investment made its presentation, rattling off promises of cheaper electricity, better broadband, and fiber-optic cable, the company’s representatives were in no way prepared for the vitriol with which they were received. Rebecca Panovka, Harper's Magazine, 9 Feb. 2024 But unlike his idols, the vitriol and anger that Keith was identified with — rightly or not —often overshadowed his body of work. Nadine Smith, Rolling Stone, 6 Feb. 2024 And now, against this backdrop of vitriol and low support, the court must answer a question that has never been asked: Does Section 3 of the 14th Amendment mean Colorado can keep Trump off the ballot? Jessica A. Schoenherr, The Conversation, 6 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'vitriol.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of vitriol was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near vitriol

Cite this Entry

“Vitriol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vitriol. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

vitriol

noun
vit·​ri·​ol ˈvi-trē-əl How to pronounce vitriol (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce vitriol (audio)
1
: a sulfate of any of various metals (as copper, iron, or zinc)
2

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