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The Vocabulary Builder Workbook of Adjectives

Add 2,000 must-know adjectives to your vocabulary.

All-in-one: dictionary, thesaurus, & workbook.

 99 categorized lessons, 232 practical activities.

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vilify

IPA:

How to pronounce vilify (audio)

Dictionary definition of vilify

To speak or write about someone or something in a way that is intended to harm their reputation or character.
"She chose to vilify her ex-partner on social media, tarnishing their reputation."

Detailed meaning of vilify

It is the act of defaming or speaking ill of someone or something. It is often used to describe the spreading of false or malicious information about someone or something in order to damage their reputation or credibility. It is a form of verbal attack or abuse, intended to cause harm to the person or thing being vilified. Vilify is often used in political contexts, when a person or group is targeted with negative or false information in an attempt to damage their reputation or credibility. Vilify can also be used in the context of social media, where it can be used to describe the spreading of false or harmful information about a person or group on social media platforms.

Example sentences containing vilify

1. The newspaper article sought to vilify the politician, spreading false accusations.
2. The documentary aimed to vilify the company for its unethical practices.
3. The tabloid magazine consistently tried to vilify celebrities for their personal choices.
4. He would vilify anyone who disagreed with his political views, resorting to personal attacks.
5. The opposing team tried to vilify our star player, attempting to weaken our morale.
6. The internet trolls relentlessly sought to vilify the actress for her appearance.

History and etymology of vilify

The verb 'vilify' finds its etymological roots in the Latin word 'vilis,' meaning 'cheap' or 'base.' In Latin, 'vilis' was used to describe something of low worth or little value. Over time, this term evolved into the Latin verb 'vilificare,' which meant 'to make cheap' or 'to treat as worthless.' As language progressed, 'vilify' emerged in English, retaining its association with degrading or demeaning someone or something by speaking or writing about them in a manner that is intended to harm their reputation or character. The etymology of 'vilify' aptly conveys its historical connection to the act of diminishing the worth or esteem of a person or thing through negative and derogatory language.

Quiz: Find the meaning of the verb vilify:

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Further usage examples of vilify

1. The gossip columnist was notorious for using their platform to vilify public figures.
2. The smear campaign was designed to vilify the whistleblower, discrediting their claims.
3. The online forum became a space to vilify individuals based on their religious beliefs.
4. The tabloid's headline was meant to vilify the innocent victim, sensationalizing the story.
5. The political opponent launched a campaign to vilify their rival, spreading malicious rumors.
6. The disgruntled employee attempted to vilify the company by leaking confidential information.
7. The social media influencers used their platforms to vilify a small business over a minor incident.
8. The protesters would vilify the police officers, accusing them of brutality without evidence.
9. The disgruntled customer took to online reviews to vilify the restaurant, exaggerating their negative experience.
10. The documentary filmmaker aimed to vilify a specific industry, portraying it in a negative light.
11. The tabloid magazine regularly published articles to vilify celebrities and invade their privacy.
12. The online hate campaign sought to vilify a marginalized community, spreading hate speech.
13. The talk show host used their platform to vilify individuals with differing political beliefs.
14. The tabloids often vilify celebrities to boost their sales.
15. It's unfair to vilify someone without concrete evidence.
16. His political opponents tried to vilify him with false accusations.
17. The internet can be a platform to vilify individuals anonymously.
18. Let's avoid using social media to vilify one another.
19. The media should report facts, not vilify public figures.
20. She refused to vilify her ex-partner despite their breakup.
21. In a bitter divorce, it's common to vilify each other.
22. The goal is to find solutions, not vilify those with different views.
23. Don't stoop to vilifying someone's character to win an argument.
24. They chose to support their friend rather than vilify their rival.

Annoyance and Irritation, Conduct and Character, Interaction and Articulation, Gloom and Unpleasantness, Vilification and Vitriol, Emotional Turmoil and Tension, Mockery and Insults

berate,debase,decry,denigrate,disparage,malign,revile,slander,smear,traduce

defame

defame, praise, honor, commend

eb68db_58355a1925484fdfb144afd7fa3afcda.mp3

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