Rumor has always played a role in politics, but rarely have the backstage operatives been so adroit, and so cynical, in their use of vitriol. Walter Shapiro
Cascades of multisyllabic vitriol engulf us as Conrad communicates his utter loathing of television … Stanley Marcus
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a
: a sulfate of any of various metals (such as copper, iron, or zinc)
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 WebThe 30-second, Fourth of July spot featured pictures of President Trump shaking hands with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is considered a GOP presidential contender, in large part because of his vitriol for the left. Taryn Lunastaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2022 Baseless claims that fraud occurred during the 2020 election sowed mistrust among voters, and election officials have borne the brunt of their vitriol. Gloria Rebecca Gomez, The Arizona Republic, 18 Aug. 2022 The vitriol between the two men is never far from the surface.New York Times, 6 Aug. 2022 The vitriol was in response to Cicilline’s comments during an early June congressional hearing over gun legislation in the wake of mass shootings in Buffalo, N.Y., and Uvalde, Texas. Brian Amaral, BostonGlobe.com, 10 June 2022 The disclosure unleashed a wave of vitriol from the former president's supporters, some of them issuing verbal threats against the FBI and the attorney general. Kevin Johnson, USA TODAY, 12 Aug. 2022 By the end of the day, the Senate chamber had become a rowdy theater offering previews of the vitriol of the coming campaign. Jason Horowitz, BostonGlobe.com, 20 July 2022 At one point, the online vitriol was bad enough that Warner Bros.’ security division was brought in to address the threats, according to Rolling Stone’s report. Andrew Marquardt, Fortune, 19 July 2022 Bredehoft also shared her belief that the vitriol Heard received on social media during the course of the trial most likely impacted the jury. Zack Sharf, Variety, 2 June 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
Middle English, from Anglo-French vitriole, from Medieval Latin vitriolum, alteration of Late Latin vitreolum, neuter of vitreolus glassy, from Latin vitreus vitreous