Vilify
Definition, Meaning & Examples
Pronunciation /ˈvɪl.ɪ.faɪ/ · Part of speech verb
Quick meaning: Vilify is a verb meaning (transitive) To say defamatory things about someone or something; to speak ill of.
Meaning
(transitive) To say defamatory things about someone or something; to speak ill of.
More Meanings
- (transitive) To belittle through speech; to put down.
Example Sentences
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.'
"Those who deliberately vilify China and sabotage the friendship between our two countries and do damage to our long-term friendship and benefits out of their sectoral or selfish interest will be cast aside in history,” he said. “Their children will be ashamed of mentioning their names."
Word Forms
- vilifies
- vilifying
- vilified
Synonyms for vilify
Depending on context, synonyms include abuse, assail, criticize, decry, denigrate, demonize.
Antonyms for vilify
Common opposites include glorify, praise.
Related Words
Related dictionary entries include revile, vituperate, rail, denigrate, discredit, slander.
Related Dictionary Tools
Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.