Vilify

/ˈvɪl.ɪ.faɪ/

Meaning & Definition

verb

To speak or write about in an abusively disparaging manner.

The politician tried to vilify his opponent by spreading false rumors.

To lower in worth or value; to make someone or something seem less important.

The media vilified the celebrity for her controversial comments.

To defame; to attack the reputation of someone.

It's unfair to vilify someone based on hearsay without any evidence.

From Latin 'vilificare', from 'vilis' meaning 'cheap' or 'worthless'.

vilify someone

To speak critically about someone, making them appear bad.

vilified by public opinion

Being judged harshly by society at large.

to vilify a reputation

To damage someone's good name through slander.

vilification

The act of vilifying or the state of being vilified.

villain

A character whose evil actions or motives are important to the plot.

vile

Extremely unpleasant; morally bad.

To trash talk someone

He got online to vilify his competitor.

To drag someone’s name through the mud

After the scandal, they tried to vilify her reputation on social media.