English vocabulary · C2
Vilify
/ˈvɪl.ə.faɪ/ · v.
To vilify someone is to speak cruelly so others hate them. You try to destroy their good name.
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Example sentences
- The host vilified the volunteer.
- Rumors vilified an innocent coach.
Word origin and roots
from Late Latin
- vilificare — devalue (from Late Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- MALIGN — say bad things about (Damage a reputation)
- SLANDER — tell harmful lies (Spread false claims)
- DEFAME — hurt someone's reputation (Harm a good name)
Similar words
- malign
- slander
- defame
- smear
- demonize
Lesson notes
To vilify someone is to speak cruelly so others hate them. You try to destroy their good name.
Related: malign, slander, defame. Use vilify when words ruin names.
The host vilified the volunteer. Rumors vilified an innocent coach.
From Late Latin. Vilificare means devalue. English vilify: devalue a name with cruel words.