vilify
vilify
Pronunciation
/ˈvɪlɪfaɪ/
vil-:
/v/ - voiced labiodental fricative
/ɪ/ - near-close near-front unrounded vowel
/l/ - alveolar lateral approximant
-i-:
/ɪ/ - near-close near-front unrounded vowel
-fy:
/faɪ/ - diphthong starting with a near-open front unrounded vowel and ending with a near-close near-front unrounded vowel.
Word Form Variations
vilify:
This is the base form of the verb.
vilifies:
This is the third-person singular present tense (e.g., "he/she/it vilifies").
vilified:
This is the past tense and past participle (e.g., "they vilified," "they have vilified").
vilifying:
This is the present participle or gerund (e.g., "they are vilifying," "vilifying others is wrong").
vilification:
This is the noun form of the verb.
vilifier:
This is a noun, that describes a person who vilifies.
vilifyingly:
This is an adverb.
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Verb:
Definition:
To intentionally damage someone's reputation by making false or highly negative statements about them.
To speak or write about someone or something in an extremely critical and abusive manner.
Synonyms:
Defame
Slander
Malign
Calumniate
Denigrate
Disparage
Revile
Antonyms:
Praise
Commend
Applaud
Exalt
Honor
Respect
Noun (vilification):
Definition:
The act of making defamatory or abusive statements about someone or something.
The state of being subjected to such statements.
Synonyms:
Defamation
Slander
Maligning
Calumny
Denigration
Aspersion
Antonyms:
Praise
Commendation
Admiration
Respect
Noun (vilifier):
Definition:
A person who vilifies another.
Synonyms:
Slanderer
Defamer
Maligner
Calumniator
Antonyms:
Supporter
Advocate
Praiser
Adverb (vilifyingly):
Definition:
In a manner that vilifies.
Synonyms:
Defamatorily
Slanderously
Malignantly
Antonyms:
Approvingly
Complimentarily
Favorably
Examples of Use
In News and Online Publications:
Political Discourse:
"Politicians often vilify their opponents during campaigns, using harsh rhetoric to damage their reputations." This is a very common use, especially during modern political discourse.
"The online publication was criticized for its articles that vilified minority groups, inciting hatred and discrimination." (Various online news sources)
Social Commentary:
"There's been a lot of interest recently in retelling the stories of women who were vilified by the press." (Town & Country) This shows how the word is used when discussing historical revision, and correcting past wrongs.
"The Russian leader, for his part, has gone out of his way to vilify those who have left, likening them to gnat-like insects." (Los Angeles Times) This shows how the word is used in international reporting.
Sports:
"He was vilified by many Patriots fans in the wake of the Deflategate scandal." (SI.com) this is a good example of how the term is used in sports reporting.
In General Public Discourse:
Social Media:
"Social media platforms can become breeding grounds for vilification, where individuals are publicly shamed and attacked for their opinions."
"Online mobs vilified the person for a minor social media mistake."
Everyday Conversations:
"It's not right to vilify someone just because you disagree with them."
"That person is constantly vilifying their ex partners."
Key Observations:
The word often appears in contexts involving public figures, political debates, and social controversies.
The rise of social media has amplified the potential for widespread vilification.
It is often used when discussing the actions of the press, and other forms of media.
10 Famous Quotes Using Vilify
“Do not vilify what you have not taken the time to understand.” (Unknown)
“My mentor said people often vilify the courageous because they fear their own potential.” (Unknown)
“History shows that societies vilify truth-tellers before they honor them.” (Unknown)
“A poet wrote that lovers sometimes vilify each other when their wounds speak louder than their hearts.” (Unknown)
“Tyrants vilify dissent to preserve their illusion of power.” (Unknown)
“Revolutions rise when the powerful attempt to vilify the powerless.” (Unknown)
“A leader must never vilify criticism; it is the compass of growth.” (Unknown)
“Wisdom teaches us to question those who quickly vilify others.” (Unknown)
“Do not vilify your past; it shaped the strength you carry now.” (Unknown)
“Hope survives even when despair tries to vilify it.” (Unknown)
Etymology
Essentially, "vilify" comes from Latin roots, and it's all about making someone or something seem worthless or base. Here's how it unfolded:
Latin Origins:
The word stems from the Latin word "vilis," which means "cheap," "worthless," or "base." Think of something considered common or of low value.
Then, "vilificare" was created from "vilis" which meant "to make vile."
Early Use:
The word "vilify" entered English in the 1500s.
Its initial meaning was very close to the Latin "vilificare": to make something vile or contemptible. So, it was about degrading something's value or character.
Evolution:
Over time, "vilify" became more specifically associated with damaging someone's reputation through false or malicious statements. It shifted from just making something "worthless" to actively attacking someone's good name.
So, in short, "vilify" started as a way to say something was cheap or worthless, and then it evolved to describe the act of verbally attacking someone's reputation, making them seem worthless.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Vilify
Direct Phrases:
"To vilify someone's character": This is a straightforward phrase that's commonly used.
"To be vilified in the press": This is a common phrase, especially in modern times.
"The vilification of a public figure": This is a common phrase used in news and commentary.
Phrases with Synonyms:
"To drag someone's name through the mud": This idiom captures the essence of vilification, using a vivid image.
"To throw someone under the bus": This implies betrayal and damage to someone's reputation.
"To assassinate someone's character": This metaphor emphasizes the destructive nature of vilification.
"To paint someone in a negative light": This is a less harsh, but still related, expression.
Original Phrases:
"A campaign of vilification": This phrase can be used to describe a sustained effort to damage someone's reputation.
"The weapon of vilification": This metaphorical phrase highlights the use of vilification as an attack.
"To be a target of vilification": this phrase describes the receiving end of the action.
Lesser Known Phrases:
"To pour scorn upon" someone, is a phrase that has a very similar meaning to vilify.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of vilify from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
