vilify

CEFRC2

/ˈvɪl.ɪ.faɪ/

verb

Türkçe translations

Translating…

In plain English

  1. 01

    verb

    To describe someone or something as very bad or evil.

  2. 02

    verb

    Extra detail

    To belittle through speech; to put down.

Examples

  • It is unfair to vilify a person before the investigation is complete.

  • It was an unwise decision to try to vilify the beloved singer.

At a glance

Sits at C2 on the CEFR scale

Senses
4
Parts of speech
1
Citations
2
Synonyms
5

Deep Dive

verb

Extra meanings

  1. To speak or write about someone in an abusively disparaging manner.

  2. To say defamatory things about someone or something; to speak ill of.

More examples

In context

  • As one of the largest producers of genetically modified (GM) seeds in the country, Monsanto has been vilified by activists who describe GM products as 'frankenfood.'

Synonyms

Antonyms

Quick test

Two questions on this entry. Nothing is scored.

Question 1 · Quick check

The politician tried to blank his opponent with false accusations during the debate.

Practise this properly in the app, where the word comes back before you forget it.

Nearby

Origin

verb

From Late Latin vīlificāre (“vilify”). Equivalent to vile + -ify. Compare vilipend.