What does revile mean?
Revile means to express contempt for someone or something through harsh, insulting, or hostile language. It is a strong verb, especially common in formal writing, political rhetoric, and journalism: a person may revile an opponent, a government, or a rival ideology. The word suggests not merely disagreement but an attempt to disgrace or make something appear contemptible, so it is generally more forceful and confrontational than criticize, denounce, or disparage. Because its connotation is strongly negative and potentially insulting, revile is usually reserved for emphatic criticism rather than neutral description. It is recognized in both British and American English and has a literary, somewhat old-fashioned tone, although it remains readily understandable in contemporary usage.
verbTo speak abusively or contemptuously of someone or something; to denounce or vilify. The word often implies a hostile and forceful expression of contempt.
- To speak abusively or contemptuously of a person, group, institution, or thing.
"The speaker accused his opponents of corrupting the government, but he had avoided reviling them in person."
"Newspapers sometimes revile public figures without offering evidence for their accusations."
"The two candidates continued to revile one another throughout the televised debate."
Revile combines the prefix re- with an idea of vileness: it means to make someone or something seem contemptible.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does revile come from?
Revile entered English from Old French revilir, meaning to regard or treat as vile. The word was formed with the prefix re-, reinforcing the idea of vilifying or making something contemptible, and with an element related to Latin vilis, meaning cheap, worthless, or base. The same central root appears in modern English words such as vile, vilify, and vileness. Over time, revile came to be used specifically for verbal abuse or denunciation.
Related word forms
How revile is actually used
Revile is a strong and usually formal or literary verb. It is more hostile than criticize and commonly appears in argumentative, polemical, or journalistic contexts.
Easily confused with revile
Revile means to attack or disparage in words, whereas revise means to correct, update, or reconsider something.