Definition of vitriol
1 : something felt to resemble vitriol especially in caustic quality; especially : virulence of feeling or of speech
2a : a sulfate of any of various metals (such as copper, iron, or zinc); especially : a glassy hydrate of such a sulfateb : oil of vitriol
From the M-W Editors
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 of vitriol from the Web
-
But Trump’s voting commission appears to have become a magnet for vitriol against the president and Kobach personally.
-
Notably in Graham Greene's 1938 book Brighton Rock the young anti-hero carries a vial of vitriol that becomes the eventual cause of his demise.
-
Thus, the Right deems Trump to be a virginal political victim, a neophyte undeserving of his critics’ vitriol.
-
Besides, college basketball provides a platform for players like UCLA’s Lonzo Ball, who was the No. 2 pick by the Lakers last month, and even Simmons, his vitriol toward the NCAA notwithstanding, to build a brand.
-
The bill has been spurred by a rise in anti-migrant vitriol that has grown with the arrival of more than 1 million refugees from mostly Muslim countries in the past two years.
-
The bill has been spurred by a rise in anti-migrant vitriol that has grown with the arrival of more than 1 million refugees from mostly Muslim countries in the past two years.
-
Shortly before 9 a.m., Trump attacked Morning Joe co-hosts Mika Brzezinski and Joe Scarborough, saving special vitriol for Brzezinski's appearance.
-
Members of Congress have an obligation to ratchet down the vitriol in politics, especially after last week's shooting of House Majority Whip Steve Scalise during a Republican congressional baseball practice, Gianforte said.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'vitriol.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of vitriol
Middle English, from Anglo-French vitriole, from Medieval Latin vitriolum, alteration of Late Latin vitreolum, neuter of vitreolus glassy, from Latin vitreus vitreous
VITRIOL Defined for English Language Learners
Medical Dictionary
vitriol
playMedical Definition of vitriol
1: a sulfate of any of various metals (as copper, iron, or zinc)
Learn More about vitriol
-
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for vitriol Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about vitriol
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up vitriol? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!