Definition

1. Verb:
   • To make harsh, abusive, and defamatory statements about someone or something; to speak or write about in a very critical and damaging way.
   • To utter slanderous and abusive statements against; to defame.

Usage

• The verb "vilify" is a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object (the person or thing being vilified).
• It is used in formal or serious contexts to describe the act of maliciously attacking someone's character or reputation through speech or writing.
• It often implies a public campaign of denigration.

Examples

• The politician was vilified by the press for his controversial stance.
• In times of conflict, opposing sides often vilify each other to rally support.
• She felt she had been unfairly vilified in the online comments.

Advanced Usage

• "to vilify someone as something": To condemn or denounce someone by labeling them with a pejorative term.
  • The regime vilified the activists as traitors and enemies of the state.

Variants and Related Words

• Vilification (noun): The act of vilifying; abusive, defamatory language or statements.
  • The vilification of minority groups is a dangerous social phenomenon.
• Vilifier (noun): A person who vilifies.

Synonyms

• Defame: To damage the good reputation of someone.
• Denigrate: To criticize unfairly; to belittle.
• Malign: To speak about someone in a spitefully critical manner.
• Slander (specifically spoken defamation): To make false and damaging statements about someone.

Antonyms

• Praise: To express warm approval or admiration.
• Compliment: To politely express praise or admiration.
• Laud: To praise highly, especially in a public context.
• Extol: To praise enthusiastically.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "to engage in character assassination": A phrase with a similar meaning to vilify, emphasizing the deliberate destruction of a person's reputation.
  • The debate devolved into an exercise in character assassination rather than a discussion of policy.

Verb

1. spread negative information about
   • The Nazi propaganda vilified the Jews