Vitriolize: meaning, definitions and examples
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vitriolize
[ ˈvɪtriəˌlaɪz ]
harsh criticism
To vitriolize means to criticize someone or something in a bitter, harsh, or caustic manner. This word often connotes a level of vitriol that is particularly intense and pointed, suggesting a deeply negative perspective. It's commonly used in the context of political discourse or literary criticism.
Synonyms
berate, denounce, revile, scorn.
Examples of usage
- The journalist vitriolized the politician's latest speech.
- Social media users often vitriolize celebrities over trivial matters.
- Critics tended to vitriolize the new film due to its controversial themes.
Translations
Translations of the word "vitriolize" in other languages:
🇵🇹 vitriolizar
🇮🇳 विट्रियोलाइज़ करना
🇩🇪 vitriolisieren
🇮🇩 vitriolize
🇺🇦 вітріолізувати
🇵🇱 witriozować
🇯🇵 ビトリオライゼ
🇫🇷 vitrioler
🇪🇸 vitriolizar
🇹🇷 vitriyozlamak
🇰🇷 비트리올화하다
🇸🇦 تأثير بالصودا
🇨🇿 vitriolisovat
🇸🇰 vitriolisovať
🇨🇳 硫酸化
🇸🇮 vitriolozirati
🇮🇸 súlfúra
🇰🇿 витриолизациялау
🇬🇪 ვიტრიოლიზაცია
🇦🇿 vitriolize
🇲🇽 vitriolizar
Etymology
The term 'vitriolize' derives from the noun 'vitriol,' which originally referred to sulfate minerals, particularly sulfate of iron, known for its caustic properties. The word 'vitriol' comes from the Latin 'vitrium,' meaning 'glass,' reflecting the glassy appearance of certain mineral sulfates. During the Middle Ages, alchemists used vitriol in their studies, and the intense, corrosive nature of these substances gave rise to the metaphorical sense of 'bitterness' or 'sharpness' in criticism. By the 19th century, the verb 'vitriolize' emerged to describe the act of expressing such sharp and bitter criticism, particularly in political and literary contexts. The evolution of the term highlights the connection between the physical properties of vitriol and the emotional impact of severe critiques.