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Vilify: meaning, definitions and examples

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vilify

 

[ ˈvɪlɪfaɪ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

public opinion

To speak or write about someone in a way that makes them seem deserving of blame or disapproval.

Synonyms

defame, denigrate, slander

Examples of usage

  • He was vilified in the press for his controversial remarks.
  • She was vilified online for her political views.
Context #2 | Verb

historical context

To make malicious statements about someone with the intent to damage their reputation.

Synonyms

besmirch, malign, smear

Examples of usage

  • The political opponents vilified each other during the election campaign.

Translations

Translations of the word "vilify" in other languages:

🇵🇹 vilipendiar

🇮🇳 बदनाम करना

🇩🇪 verleumden

🇮🇩 mencemarkan

🇺🇦 зневажати

🇵🇱 oczerniać

🇯🇵 中傷する

🇫🇷 vilipender

🇪🇸 vilipendiar

🇹🇷 kötülemek

🇰🇷 비방하다

🇸🇦 يشوه السمعة

🇨🇿 hanobit

🇸🇰 hanobiť

🇨🇳 诋毁

🇸🇮 očrniti

🇮🇸 rægja

🇰🇿 жала жабу

🇬🇪 შეურაცხყოფა

🇦🇿 pisləmək

🇲🇽 vilipendiar

Etymology

The word 'vilify' comes from the Latin word 'vilis' meaning 'cheap' or 'worthless'. Over time, it evolved to mean speaking ill of someone or defaming their character.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,738 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.