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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.

The movie's intent to vilify the bookstore was a no-go for Barnes & Noble so the Fox Books seen in the movie was filmed in the now-closed 7th Avenue Barney’s department store.

From Salon • Dec. 25, 2023

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

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.