Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Revile Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ’ข
Add to dictionary

revile

[rษชหˆvaษชl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

language use

To revile someone is to criticize them in an abusive or insulting manner. This action often involves strong, disparaging language aimed at hurting or belittling the target. The term is commonly used in legal and social contexts where one party feels wronged by another's remarks. Reviling can also contribute to a hostile environment, affecting relationships and community dynamics.

Synonyms

condemn, defame, denounce, malign, vilify.

Examples of usage

  • The politician reviled his opponent at the debate.
  • She felt reviled by the harsh criticism on social media.
  • The community reviled the actions of the corrupt officials.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Numerous works from classic literature feature characters who revile their enemies, highlighting themes of conflict and moral lessons.
  • Shakespeareโ€™s plays often include characters who revile each other in witty exchanges, showcasing the power of language.
  • Modern novels may use the act of reviling to demonstrate societal issues like prejudice and discrimination.

Psychology

  • Reviling can be a projection of oneโ€™s insecurities, where individuals lash out to uplift their self-esteem.
  • Participants in studies show that people who revile others often have low emotional intelligence and struggle with empathy.
  • Frequent reviling is linked to toxic environments, whether in workplaces or personal relationships, contributing to stress.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In certain cultures, public reviling is seen as an extreme form of disrespect and can lead to social ostracism.
  • Some societies have specific rituals that involve reviling as a way to express grievances or competition, calculated within cultural frameworks.
  • The rise of social media has amplified reviling as online bullying has become prevalent, reflecting changing communication dynamics.

Pop Culture

  • Television and movies often depict reviling in dramatic showdowns, showcasing the emotional stakes of character interactions.
  • Celebrity culture highlights reviling through gossip columns, where public figures are frequently subjected to harsh critiques.
  • Comedians may use reviling humor as a form of satire, addressing social issues while entertaining the audience.

Origin of 'revile'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the Latin word 'vฤซlis', meaning 'worthless' or 'cheap', which reflects its negative connotation.
  • It entered the English language in the 15th century, originally referring to harsh criticisms or slander.
  • The prefix 're-' means 'again', indicating the act of insulting repeatedly.

The word 'revile' originates from the Middle English term 'revilen', which is a combination of the prefix 're-' meaning 'back' or 'again', and 'vile' which comes from the Old French 'vile' (modern 'vil'), meaning 'cheap' or 'worthless'. The concept of reviling someone carries the implication of returning to them with words of disdain, thus highlighting the negative feelings involved. The term has roots in the Latin word 'vilis', which translates to 'worthless'. Reviling has been used in English literature since the 14th century and often appears in contexts related to social criticism and ethical discussions. The persistence of the word in modern English underscores its relevance in discussions of character attacks and negative social interactions.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,903, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.