ADJ-GRADED [usually ADJ n](言行)恶意的,刻薄的,尖刻的 If you describe someone's language or behaviour as vitriolic, you disapprove of it because it is full of bitterness and hate, and so causes a lot of distress and pain. (言行)恶意的,刻薄的,尖刻的 [disapproval]
There was a vicious and vitriolic attack on him in one of the Sunday newspapers two weeks ago.