vitriol

noun

vit·​ri·​ol ˈvi-trē-əl 

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

b

: oil of vitriol

vitriolic

ˌvi-trē-ˈä-lik 

adjective

vitriolic personal attacks

a vitriolic debate/dispute

Synonyms

• bitterness
• hostility
• bile
• severity
• anger
• malice
• acrimony

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

And instead of vitriol, Woolen might be on the receiving end of a massive pay raise. —Michael-Shawn Dugar, New York Times, 26 July 2025

Reed wanted to interview Fox for a Channel 4 documentary about how this community’s online vitriol spilled onto British streets last year after the mindless murder of three young girls at a Taylor Swift dance class in Southport. —Jake Kanter, Deadline, 24 July 2025

Republican lawmakers continue to debate a response to the Jeffrey Epstein dilemma that has roiled the MAGA base and equally frustrated President Donald Trump – while the 2026 midterm elections loom as a potential outlet for their voters to take out some of that vitriol. —Savannah Kuchar, USA Today, 22 July 2025

Attorney General Pam Bondi has been the target of much of the vitriol following the release of the memo, but Trump has continued to defend her. —Sarah Fortinsky, The Hill, 13 July 2025

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

Phrases Containing vitriol

• blue vitriol
• oil of vitriol

Kids Definition

vitriol

noun

vit·​ri·​ol ˈvi-trē-əl 

: 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 

1

: a sulfate of any of various metals (as copper, iron, or zinc)

2

: oil of vitriol