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Vilified: meaning, definitions and examples

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vilified

 

[ ˈvɪlɪfaɪd ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

social criticism

Vilified means to speak or write about in an abusive or slanderous manner. It often implies that the person being vilified is being unjustly criticized or demonized, typically in public discourse. The word conveys a strong sense of injustice towards the subject, highlighting how they have been unfairly represented.

Synonyms

defamed, denounced, maligned, slandered

Examples of usage

  • The politician was vilified in the media for his controversial remarks.
  • She felt vilified by her peers after the scandal.
  • Many innocent people have been vilified during the trial.
  • The journalist vilified the corporation for its unethical practices.

Translations

Translations of the word "vilified" in other languages:

🇵🇹 vilipendiado

🇮🇳 निंदा की गई

🇩🇪 verunglimpft

🇮🇩 dihina

🇺🇦 оббреханий

🇵🇱 zniesławiony

🇯🇵 中傷された

🇫🇷 vilipendé

🇪🇸 vilipendiado

🇹🇷 dışlanan

🇰🇷 비방된

🇸🇦 مُعَيب

🇨🇿 pomlouvaný

🇸🇰 ohováraný

🇨🇳 被诽谤的

🇸🇮 obrečan

🇮🇸 svertaður

🇰🇿 қараланған

🇬🇪 გაგდებული

🇦🇿 təhqir olunmuş

🇲🇽 vilipendiado

Etymology

The term 'vilify' originates from the Latin word 'vilificare', which means 'to make vile'. The root 'vilis' means 'cheap' or 'worthless', and '-ficare' is a suffix meaning 'to make'. The word entered the English language in the 17th century, initially meant to depict the act of making someone or something seem lesser or contemptible. Over time, its usage expanded to encompass the broader connotation of damaging someone's reputation through derogatory remarks or accusations. Vilification often occurs in public contexts such as politics or media, emphasizing how societal narratives can distort truth and justice. The term thus serves as a reminder of the power of language in shaping public perception.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,031, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.