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Vilification: meaning, definitions and examples

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vilification

 

[ ˌvɪlɪfɪˈkeɪʃən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

verbal abuse

Vilification refers to the act of speaking or writing about someone in an abusively disparaging manner. It often involves making false or misleading statements about a person to damage their reputation.

Synonyms

defamation, denigration, libel, slander

Examples of usage

  • The vilification of the politician during the campaign was widely criticized.
  • She faced severe vilification after the scandal broke.
  • The media's vilification of the celebrity was relentless.
  • His vilification of his opponent was seen as unacceptable.

Translations

Translations of the word "vilification" in other languages:

🇵🇹 vilificação

🇮🇳 निंदा

🇩🇪 Verleumdung

🇮🇩 pencemaran nama baik

🇺🇦 дискредитація

🇵🇱 zniesławienie

🇯🇵 中傷

🇫🇷 diffamation

🇪🇸 vilificación

🇹🇷 karalama

🇰🇷 비방

🇸🇦 تشويه السمعة

🇨🇿 pomluva

🇸🇰 ohováranie

🇨🇳 诽谤

🇸🇮 obrek

🇮🇸 bakhjálp

🇰🇿 жала жабалау

🇬🇪 დანაშაულება

🇦🇿 təhqir

🇲🇽 vilificación

Etymology

The word 'vilification' comes from the Latin 'vilificare', which means 'to make cheap or trifling'. This Latin term is derived from 'vilis', signifying 'cheap' or 'low', and the suffix '-ficare', meaning 'to make'. The use of 'vilification' in the English language can be traced back to the late 19th century, reflecting a broader trend of borrowing from Latin. Initially used in legal contexts, it has since evolved to describe social and political situations where individuals or groups are subjected to derogatory remarks that seek to undermine their standing. Over time, 'vilification' has become a pertinent term in discussions around defamation and character attacks, highlighting the negative effects of such actions on public figures and ordinary individuals alike.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,045 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.