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Vitriol

//ˈvɪtɹiəl// noun, verb, slang

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    Any of various metal sulphates. countable, dated, uncountable

    "CRYSTALS of Venus or of copper, called also vitriol of Venus, is copper reduced into the form of vitriol by spirit of nitre, or by dissolving verdegris in good distilled vinegar, till the acid be saturated; it is very caustic and used to eat off proud flesh. It is also used by painters, and manufacturers, and sold under the name of distilled vinegar. See CHEMISTRY."

  2. 2
    abusive or venomous language used to express blame or censure or bitter deep-seated ill will wordnet
  3. 3
    oil of vitriol (sulfuric acid). countable, dated, uncountable
  4. 4
    (H2SO4) a highly corrosive acid made from sulfur dioxide; widely used in the chemical industry wordnet
  5. 5
    Bitterly abusive language. broadly, countable, uncountable

    "For days, online forums sparked with outrage against politicians and race organizers, a tone that turned to vitriol against runners, even from some shaming other runners for being selfish."

Verb
  1. 1
    To subject to bitter verbal abuse. transitive
  2. 2
    subject to bitter verbal abuse wordnet
  3. 3
    To dip in dilute sulfuric acid; to pickle. transitive
  4. 4
    expose to the effects of vitriol or injure with vitriol wordnet
  5. 5
    To vitriolize. colloquial, transitive

Etymology

Etymology 1

From Middle English vitriol, from Old French vitriol, from Medieval Latin vitriolum (“sulfuric acid”), from vitrum (“glass”).

Etymology 2

From Middle English vitriol, from Old French vitriol, from Medieval Latin vitriolum (“sulfuric acid”), from vitrum (“glass”).

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