vilify

[vil-uh-fahy] / ˈvɪl əˌfaɪ /

VERB

criticize very harshly

Synonyms

STRONGEST

assail berate damn decry defame denigrate denounce disparage malign mistreat revile slander smear

STRONG

abuse asperse attack blister censure curse cuss debase dig jinx knock libel pan rap roast scorch slam slur traduce vituperate voodoo

WEAK

bad-mouth call down caluminate dress down dump on give a black eye mudsling put a whammy on put down rag on rip up run down skin alive speak ill of tear down tear into

Antonyms

STRONGEST

approve cherish commend compliment exalt favor flatter glorify laud praise

STRONG

benefit defend honor protect

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Then they start to actually vilify the regulations, and Frank Church becomes persona non grata, and all of a sudden it's like, "Wait, what? Didn't we learn something?"

From Salon • Aug. 21, 2024

And on Wednesday Hayes added that the language used to "vilify" James online was "unacceptable".

From BBC • Dec. 13, 2023

“The city attempted to vilify Officer Garza when he spoke truth to power,” said Greg Smith, Garza’s attorney.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 8, 2023

South Africa Sports Minister Zizi Kodwa has supported Mbonambi but social media has also been used to vilify Curry, prompting support for the flanker from England and his Sale Sharks club on Wednesday.

From Washington Times • Oct. 25, 2023

Ser Barristan did not like this Gerris Drinkwater, nor would he allow him to vilify Daenerys.

From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin

Vocabulary lists containing vilify

The Vocabulary.com Top 1000

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

300 Most Difficult "SAT" Words

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Power Suffix: -fy

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!