v. [f. VITRIOL sb.]
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. trans. 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.
1881. J. Parker in Huron Times (Sand Beach, MI), 20 June, 3/5. Their criticism is bitter, highly acidulated—something even worse, even vitriolized, most pungent, and every word is an intent of cruel death.
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 Vitriolized ppl. a. Also Vitriolizer, 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. Ibid. (1891), 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.
