PsychologyAugust 20, 2026
caustic
KAW-stik
Definition
Sarcastic, biting, or critical in a way that is intended to hurt or sting someone's feelings.
Etymology
Derived from the Greek word 'kaustikos', meaning 'burning', which comes from the verb 'kaiein', meaning 'to burn'.
In the news
The author describes the children's responses to their father's repeated stories as caustic, highlighting the hurtful and dismissive tone they use.
Critics pan senior's repeat performances (Aug. 20)
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