vitriol

noun
vit·​ri·​ol | \ ˈvi-trē-əl How to pronounce vitriol (audio) \

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 sulfate

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Other Words from vitriol

vitriolic \ ˌvi-​trē-​ˈä-​lik How to pronounce vitriolic (audio) \ adjective

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

Faced with vitriol, threats to close the southern border, or even U.S. agents firing tear gas into Mexico, authorities have consistently attempted to limit a fallout between both countries. Stephania Taladrid, The New Yorker, "After El Paso, Mexico Takes a New Approach to Trump," 10 Aug. 2019 Gab is where the man accused of massacring 11 people last October in a Pittsburgh synagogue posted anti-Semitic vitriol. Frank Bajak, The Denver Post, "Online providers knock 8chan offline after mass shooting," 5 Aug. 2019 Gab is where the man accused of massacring 11 people last October in a Pittsburgh synagogue posted anti-Semitic vitriol. Frank Bajak, Twin Cities, "Online providers knock 8chan offline after mass shooting," 5 Aug. 2019 But that was a rare blemish from the Swiss master aimed at the chair umpire, while Kyrgios is a serial offender who has targeted umpires and fans with greater vitriol. Ravi Ubha, CNN, "Larrikin or liability: Is Nick Kyrgios good for tennis?," 5 July 2019 Since then, the demonstrations have grown into almost daily public displays of vitriol against the police. Austin Ramzy, BostonGlobe.com, "Downtown Hong Kong is a tear gas-filled battlefield as protesters face off against police," 28 July 2019 The vitriol that welled up so visibly and disturbingly in that crowd Wednesday night symbolized the unusual place that Trump’s own rhetoric has gotten him into. Clarence Page, chicagotribune.com, "Column: Is Trump’s latest race-baiting a 2020 campaign strategy?," 19 July 2019 Williamson provides an intellectual road map to navigate the social-media landscape — a thoughtless morass of pessimism, of vitriol, and of cynicism masquerading as wisdom. Noah Rothman, National Review, "Kevin Williamson’s Revolt against the Hivemind," 25 July 2019 Sun’s fans choked Horton’s social media feed with vitriol, including death threats. Karen Crouse, New York Times, "Sun Yang and Swimming Descend Into a Battle Over Doping," 23 July 2019

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.

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First Known Use of vitriol

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

History and Etymology for vitriol

Middle English, from Anglo-French vitriole, from Medieval Latin vitriolum, alteration of Late Latin vitreolum, neuter of vitreolus glassy, from Latin vitreus vitreous

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More Definitions for vitriol

vitriol

noun

English Language Learners Definition of vitriol

formal : harsh and angry words

vitriol

noun
vit·​ri·​ol | \ ˈvi-trē-əl How to pronounce vitriol (audio) \

Medical Definition of vitriol

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

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