Vitriolage May 2026

1. Definition and Terminology Vitriolage (from Latin vitriolum , meaning “glass-like,” referring to sulfate salts such as copper vitriol or green vitriol) is the premeditated act of throwing corrosive acid or another caustic substance onto a person’s body—most often the face—with the intent to disfigure, maim, torture, or kill. It is a form of gender-based, revenge, or gang-related violence.