English Explanatory Dictionary

vilify

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To say defamatory things about someone or something; to speak ill of.
  2. To belittle through speech; to put down.

Pronunciation

/ˈvɪl.ɪ.faɪ/ en-us-vilify.ogg en-au-vilify.ogg

Word forms

vilify vilifies vilifying vilified

Etymology

From Late Latin vīlificāre (“vilify”). Equivalent to vile + -ify. Compare vilipend.

Synonyms

abuse assail criticize decry denigrate demonize denounce libel revile slander run down assassinate asperse backbite badmouth befoul belibel besmirch besmear bewray blacken blame blaze blemish blot blur calumniate calumny chat shit chat shite cloud defame deprave depreciate detract dirty discredit disgrace disparage disrepute diss drag through the mud forgab forspeak foul infamize lampoon malign monsterize muddy reproach scandal shit-talk slag smear smirch spatter spot speak ill of stab

Antonyms

glorify praise

Related words

vile

Derived words

vilification vilifiable vilifier
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