Vilify came to English by way of the Middle English vilifien and the Late Latin vilificare, from the Latin adjective vilis, meaning "cheap" or "vile." It first appeared in English in the 15th century. Also debuting during that time was another verb that derives from vilis and has a similar meaning: vilipend. When they were first used in English, both vilify and vilipend meant to regard someone or something as being of little worth or importance. Vilipend now carries an additional meaning of "to express a low opinion of somebody," while vilify means, more specifically, to express such an opinion publicly in a way that intends to embarrass a person or ruin his or her reputation.
He was vilified in the press for his comments. claimed that she had been vilified by the press because of her conservative views
Recent Examples on the WebBecause history is written by men and the male perception of women is to vilify us, put us down, call us witches. Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 11 Sep. 2022 The former president also hesitated to vilify the rioters in that speech, according to the outtakes. Amy B Wang, Washington Post, 25 July 2022 The meeting comes days after Chevron CEO Mike Wirth accused Biden of seeking to vilify oil and gas producers. Matt Egan, CNN, 23 June 2022 With the rush toward elections, the Arab community in Israel is bracing for a Netanyahu campaign that will vilify Arabs, said Yousef Jabareen, a former Knesset member with the Palestinian Israeli left-wing Hadash party. Shira Rubin, Washington Post, 21 June 2022 Black slavery started in the early 1500s and as long as slavery was accepted by most people, there was no need to vilify the slave.San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 May 2022 Those who believe in democratization in higher education vilify it, while those who believe in differentiation applaud it.WSJ, 7 Apr. 2022 The Russian leader, for his part, has gone out of his way to vilify those who have left, likening them to gnat-like insects. Vasiliy Kolotilov, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2022 The Nazis and Adolf Hitler have proven convenient symbols for people wishing to vilify their political opponents, from Donald Trump to Nelson Mandela. Zachary Snowdon Smith, Forbes, 27 Jan. 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
Middle English vilifien, from Late Latin vilificare, from Latin vilis cheap, vile