vitriolize, v.
(ˈvɪtrɪəlaɪz)
[f. vitriol n.]
1. a. trans. To convert into vitriol; to vitriolate. Also absol.
| 1694 Salmon Bate's Dispens. (1713) 453/1 Dissolve again in fair Water and crystallize or vitriolize as before. 1799 Kirwan Geol. Ess. 395 By long exposure to the air and moisture they are at last vitriolized. |
b. intr. To become vitriolated or vitriolic.
| 1757 tr. Henckel's Pyritol. 327 Such pyritæ as vitriolise sparingly and leisurely. 1796 Kirwan Elem. Min. (ed. 2) II. 80 There are some that spontaneously effloresce and vitriolize. |
2. trans. To injure with vitriol; to throw vitriol at (a person) with intent to injure.
| 1886 Daily News 15 March (Cassell's), The jury did not believe that the child from the same motive vitriolized himself. 1901 Daily Chron. 24 July 4/6 The painful case of a handsome girl who was ‘vitriolised’ by a rival. |
Hence ˈvitriolized ppl. a. Also ˈvitriolizer, one who throws vitriol with intent to injure.
| 1882 Pall Mall G. 13 Nov. 2 Thinking he had to deal with a vitriolizer the servant ran down to call a policeman. 1891 Ibid. 9 Nov. 7/1 Vitriolized spices and arsenicated coffee. 1894 Westm. Gaz. 17 Oct. 6/3 With vitriolised drink supplied to you at fabulous prices. |