PsychologyAugust 11, 2026

vitriol

VIT-ree-uhl

Definition

Cruelly bitter, harsh, and malicious criticism or language.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'vitreolus' (glassy), the term originally referred to sulfate chemical compounds that were glassy in appearance and corrosive, eventually evolving to describe language that is just as caustic and biting as the chemicals.

In the news

The article uses 'vitriol' to describe the toxic, hateful online comments that people often feel tempted to volley back at their adversaries in comment sections.

Is Talking or Texting Better for Disagreements?

Read the full article ↗

Greater Good: The Science of a Meaningful Life

Related words

ethicist

An expert or professional whose work focuses on applying ethical principles and moral…

Psychology

futurist

A person who studies current trends to predict, analyze, and plan for future developments.

Psychology

macrophages

A type of white blood cell that surrounds and kills microorganisms, removes dead cells,…

Psychology

mammogram

A low-dose X-ray examination of the breasts used to detect and diagnose breast disease.

Psychology

microglia

Small, specialized immune cells within the central nervous system that act as the brain's…

Psychology

neurodegeneration

The progressive loss of structure or function of neurons in the brain, which leads to…

Psychology

Learn words like this every day

Meet new words every morning.

Newspoken pulls carefully chosen words from the day’s news — with clear definitions, context, and light review that makes them stick. Get it on your phone.