Vitriolic Meaning and Usage

Vitriolic

Adjective
1. (Literally) Containing or similar to sulfuric acid or any of the metal sulfates;
(of a substance, especially a strong acid) capable of destroying or eating away by chemical action

2. (Figuratively) Extremely caustic, scathing, filled with rage and abasement often accompanied by profanity; (of language) severely bitter or harsh



Vitriol:

Noun
1. abusive or venomous language used to express blame or censure or bitter deep-seated ill will

2. Sulphuric acid (H2SO4)



Vitriol:

Verb
1. expose to the effects of vitriol or injure with vitriol;

2. subject to bitter verbal abuse



Let’s look at some examples:

1. Mel said Tuesday he is not a bigot and he apologized to everyone in the Jewish community for the vitriolic and harmful words he used when he was arrested for investigation of drunken driving.

2. I found the letter to be merely vitriolic and not at all helpful in gaining information about the issue.

3. However, when we witness vitriolic attacks based on race, it's easy to choose sides.

4. For a while, he reviewed films, but his reviews were so vitriolic that local cinema managers refused to give him complimentary tickets!
5. Their divorce was a long, bitter and vitriolic one because a large fortune was at stake.

6. Jess Newcomb's vitriolic attack on his neighbor for playing loud music late at night was grossly disproportionate to the misdeed.

7. His answer was vitriolic, and I drew back, surprised by his caustic tone.

8. Her newspaper review of the movie fairly dripped vitriol.


vitriolic
Synonyms: acerb, acerbic, acidic, acidic, acidulent, acidulous, acrid, acrimonious, antagonistic, astringent, biting, bitter, blistering, blistery, burning, caustic, corrosive, cutting, deadly, destructive, erosive, harsh, malicious, mordant, pungent, sardonic, scathing, sharp , slashing, stifling, stinging, sulphurous, sultry, trenchant, truculent , unpleasant, venomous, virulent, withering

Antonyms: constructive, pleasant


Vitriol (Noun)
Synonyms: invective, vituperation, contumely, insult, revilement, vilification, abuse, acrimony, animosity, animus, bitterness, feud, gall, rancor, soreness, sourness, venom, virulence, acid.


Vitriol (Verb)
Synonyms: lash out, attack, snipe, assail, assault, round, revile


Some more examples:

1. The frequent vitriol displayed by many liberals must indicate a basic insecurity in their beliefs, intelligence, policies, and positions.

2. It's not clear what provoked such a vitriolic response to Sierra.

3. The newspaper launched a vitriolic attack on the President.

4. The review of the new book was so vitriolic that we all wondered whether the reviewer had some personal grudge against the author.