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Reviling: meaning, definitions and examples

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reviling

 

[ rɪˈvaɪlɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

destructive criticism

Reviling refers to the act of criticizing or speaking about someone or something in a scornfully abusive manner. It often involves using harsh or contemptuous language to express disapproval or disdain. This term is frequently utilized to describe situations where someone's reputation is tarnished through negative speech or insults. In essence, to revile is to vehemently attack someone’s character or actions through spoken or written words.

Synonyms

abuse, denounce, scorn, vilify

Examples of usage

  • He was reviling his opponent during the debate.
  • The article was written to revile the corrupt practices of the government.
  • She couldn't stand the way he reviled her efforts at work.

Translations

Translations of the word "reviling" in other languages:

🇵🇹 caluniar

🇮🇳 निंदा करना

🇩🇪 verleumden

🇮🇩 memfitnah

🇺🇦 наклеп

🇵🇱 oskarżać

🇯🇵 中傷する

🇫🇷 diffamer

🇪🇸 calumniar

🇹🇷 iftira atmak

🇰🇷 비방하다

🇸🇦 تشويه السمعة

🇨🇿 pomlouvat

🇸🇰 ohovárať

🇨🇳 诽谤

🇸🇮 obrekovati

🇮🇸 níðast

🇰🇿 жала жабу

🇬🇪 ბინძურება

🇦🇿 iftira atmaq

🇲🇽 calumniar

Etymology

The term 'revile' originates from the Middle English word 'revilen', which is derived from the Old French 'reviler' and ultimately traces back to the Latin 'revilare'. The root 'vīlis' in Latin means 'cheap' or 'of low value', indicating a connotation of disparagement. Over time, reviling came to denote a more severe form of criticism, suggesting not just a simple disagreement but an attack with the intent to demean or insult. The evolution of the term reflects societal attitudes towards speech, revealing how language can be wielded as a weapon against personal character or integrity. Through historical texts, we can observe the word's usage in literature and legal discourse, highlighting its role in public discourse and personal conflicts.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,572 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.