vilify
VIL-uh-fy
/ˈvɪl.ɪ.faɪ/
Speak or write about in an abusively disparaging manner.
Focuses on publicly portraying someone or something as wicked, vile, or worthless.
The story behind the word. Constructed from Latin 'vilis' (cheap, worthless, vile) and 'facere' (to make). Literally meaning 'to make cheap or vile', it evolved into public defamation.
Word relationships
- defame: Defame focuses on damaging reputation legally/socially; vilify emphasizes painting someone as vile.
- malign: Malign means spreading false reports; vilify means publicly reviling as evil.
- praise: Express warm approval or admiration.
- exalt: Hold someone in high regard or elevate in rank.
Commonly confused with
- verify: Verify means to confirm truth; vilify means to speak abusively of someone.
Word family
- vilification (noun): Abusive disparaging speech or writing.
- vilifier (noun): One who vilifies.
Collocations
- vilify opponents
- vilify in the press
- relentlessly vilify
Idioms & expressions
- drag through the mud
- blacken someone's name
Example sentences
- "The press chose to vilify the whistle-blower rather than investigate the corruption." Media studies
- "Political campaigns often try to vilify opponents through aggressive television ads." Political commentary
Memory hook
Vilify means to make someone out to be a 'vile' villain. Vile + fy (make) = Make out to be vile.
When not to use
Do not use for constructive criticism or polite disagreement.
Fun facts
- Shares its primary root 'vilis' with the English word 'vile'.
Explore more words
malign, denigration, vituperation, disparage, traduce, obloquy
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