vitriolic

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

adjective harsh or corrosive in tone
adjective of a substance, especially a strong acid; capable of destroying or eating away by chemical action

From vitriol + -ic; or from French vitriolique (cognate with Italian vetriolico, Portuguese vitriolico, Spanish vitriólico).

A man from the Government who was nearly as vitriolic as he was about America. — Terminal Compromise, Winn Schwartau
He----" But Casey got him outside and administered a vitriolic lecture that had some effect. — Desert Conquest; or, Precious Waters, A. M. (Arthur Murray) Chisholm
“You say that again, and I'll give you the worst----” “You will NOT!” snapped Marjorie, instantly vitriolic. — Penrod, Booth Tarkington

acerb, acerbic, acid, acrid, bitter, blistering, caustic, sulfurous, sulphurous, virulent

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