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Vilifying: meaning, definitions and examples

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vilifying

 

[ ˈvɪlɪfaɪɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

making accusations

Vilifying refers to the act of speaking or writing about someone in a way that damages their reputation. This often involves making harsh or critical statements that characterize the person in a negative light. The term is typically used in contexts where an individual or group is subjected to unjustified criticism, often with the intention of harming their public image. Vilifying can occur in personal relationships, journalism, or social media, where misinformation and exaggerated claims can spread rapidly.

Synonyms

defaming, denigrating, maligning, slandering

Examples of usage

  • The media has been vilifying the politician for his past actions.
  • She felt that her ex-partner was vilifying her to their mutual friends.
  • Online comments often vilify public figures without substantial evidence.

Translations

Translations of the word "vilifying" in other languages:

🇵🇹 vilipendiar

🇮🇳 बदनाम करना

🇩🇪 verleumden

🇮🇩 mencemarkan

🇺🇦 ганьбити

🇵🇱 oczerniać

🇯🇵 中傷する

🇫🇷 diffamer

🇪🇸 difamar

🇹🇷 karalamak

🇰🇷 중상모략하다

🇸🇦 تشويه السمعة

🇨🇿 pomlouvat

🇸🇰 ohovárať

🇨🇳 诽谤

🇸🇮 oblati

🇮🇸 dæma

🇰🇿 қаралауға

🇬🇪 ბილწსიტყვაობა

🇦🇿 təhqir etmək

🇲🇽 difamar

Word origin

The word 'vilify' stems from the Latin verb 'vilificare', which means 'to make vile'. This Latin root combines 'vilis', meaning 'cheap or base', and the suffix '-ficare', which denotes making or doing. The transition from Latin to Middle English led to the establishment of the term with its contemporary meaning. Since its integration into the English language in the 16th century, 'vilify' has been used to characterize actions where a person's integrity or reputation is attacked through derogatory remarks. In modern usage, vilification often relates to political discourse, media sensationalism, and various forms of public criticism.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,213, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.