Vitriolises

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. Subjects someone or something to scathing, bitter abuse ; corrodes or treats a material with a strong corrosive acid
2. Attacks people with harsh, venomous language ; damages or processes materials using concentrated sulphuric acid
3. Pours out bitter, scornful criticism on a target ; treats or burns a surface with a caustic acid such as vitriol

Etymology: "Vitriolises" is the third-person singular present form of "vitriolise," a verb built from "vitriol" and the suffix "-ise," meaning to treat something with, or subject it to, vitriol. The noun "vitriol" itself goes back to Latin "vitreolum," meaning something glassy, from "vitreus," glass, a reference to the glassy look of the crystals that were used to make it. The word's sense has moved from chemistry to cruelty. Historically, vitriol named a class of sulphate salts, such as copper or iron sulphate, which were prized in old chemistry and dyeing, and the sulphuric acid derived from them was also called oil of vitriol. Over time "vitriol" came to describe bitter, caustic speech, and "to vitriolise" follows that figurative path, meaning to attack someone with harsh, corrosive language.

Synonyms: denounce, revile, castigate

Antonyms: praise, compliment