vitriol
VIT-ree-ul
/ˈvɪt.ri.əl/
Cruel and bitter criticism; malicious feeling or speech.
Emphasizes burning, corrosive speech or hatred that inflicts deep wounds.
The story behind the word. Originally named medieval alchemical sulfate salts that looked like glassy crystals, especially sulfuric acid ('oil of vitriol'). Because sulfuric acid severely burns tissue, writers adopted 'vitriol' metaphorically for corrosive speech.
Word relationships
- venom: Venom emphasizes poisonous hostility; vitriol emphasizes burning, corrosive speech.
- acrimony: Acrimony implies bitter sharpness; vitriol implies severe, burning malice.
- praise: Expressions of approval and admiration.
- acclaim: Enthusiastic public praise.
Commonly confused with
- vibrancy: Vibrancy means full of life or energy; vitriol means burning, bitter speech.
Word family
- vitriolic (adjective): Filled with bitter criticism or malice.
- vitriolically (adverb): In a vitriolic manner.
Collocations
- spew vitriol
- pure vitriol
- political vitriol
Idioms & expressions
- poisonous speech
- corrosive tongue
Example sentences
- "Online comment sections are often filled with anonymous vitriol aimed at public figures." Political analysis
- "The critic spilled vitriol over the director's latest film project." Editorial
Memory hook
Vitriol burns like acid thrown in words. Acid speech = Vitriol.
When not to use
Do not use for mild criticism or objective feedback.
Fun facts
- Sulfuric acid was historically called 'oil of vitriol' in chemistry until the 19th century.
Explore more words
caustic, vituperation, diatribe, excoriate, malign, embittered
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