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Definitions

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.

She smiles often and laughs easily, a very American trait that helped vilify her in European eyes during her trial.

From Salon • Apr. 14, 2025

“Ricky Cobb was a productive citizen of this community, and we will not let you vilify him,” family attorney Bakari Sellers said at a news conference.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 17, 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

But unlike the majority of the country, the Freedom Writers were not quick to vilify Klebold and Harris.

From "The Freedom Writers Diary" by The Freedom Writers

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.