vilify — to speak or write about in an abusively disparaging manner; to defame or slander
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to speak or write about in an abusively disparaging manner; to defame or slander
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈvɪləˌfaɪ/
Example Sentences
- The angry chef vilified the food critic who gave his restaurant one star.
- Social media users often vilify celebrities for the smallest mistakes.
- My cat seems to vilify the vacuum cleaner every time I bring it out.
vilify
VERB[/ˈvɪləˌfaɪ/]
to speak or write about in an abusively disparaging manner; to defame or slander
Tabloids vilify the actress with cruel headlines the morning after the premiere.
They vilify, then glorify, while truth is hard to classify
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'vilis' meaning 'cheap' or 'worthless,' combined with the suffix '-fy' (meaning 'to make'). The word evolved through Medieval Latin and Old French to mean 'to make vile' or 'to defame.'
Breakdown
vil- (from Latin vilis, cheap/worthless) + -ify (make/cause to be) = vilify (to make vile; to defame)
🎵Rhyme
📝Examples
“The angry chef vilified the food critic who gave his restaurant one star.”
“Social media users often vilify celebrities for the smallest mistakes.”
“My cat seems to vilify the vacuum cleaner every time I bring it out.”
“Politicians often vilify their opponents during election campaigns.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
Want to master 19,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.