What does reviling mean?
Reviling is a forceful word for attacking someone or something with contemptuous, insulting, or spiteful language. It can function as the present participle of the verb “revile,” as in “He was reviling his former employer,” or as an adjective describing notably abusive speech or criticism, such as “a reviling comment.” The term carries a strongly negative, often formal or literary tone: it suggests more than ordinary disagreement and conveys deliberate hostility or contempt. Because it is relatively uncommon in everyday conversation, it can sound forceful, elevated, or old-fashioned, especially when used of written attacks, public speeches, or heated arguments. Reviling is useful when the manner and intent of the language—not merely the criticism of an idea—are central. It should generally be reserved for genuinely abusive or contemptuous expression rather than functioning as a generic label for any negative remark. Its sharp verbal force also explains why writers and speakers may choose it deliberately to characterize insults, slanderous accusations, or degrading rhetoric, rather than as a neutral description of disagreement.
To speak abusively or contemptuously about someone or something.
"The senator accused his opponent of reviling the judiciary."
The present participle form reviling is used in ongoing or descriptive contexts.
Characterized by contemptuous, insulting, or spiteful speech or behavior.
"The article was condemned for its reviling attacks on immigrants."
Reviling does not merely criticize: it aims to strip its target of dignity.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of reviling
Reviling comes from Middle English revilen, from Anglo-French and Old French reviler, and ultimately from Latin revilare, derived from revellere, meaning “to pull back” or “tear down.” Its literal root image of pulling down was extended metaphorically to attacking a person’s reputation or dignity with contemptuous language.
Related word forms
How reviling is actually used
Reviling is strongly negative and commonly sounds formal, literary, or deliberately forceful. It is more pointed than criticizing and should generally be reserved for genuinely contemptuous or abusive expression.
Easily confused with reviling
Reviling means speaking abusively or contemptuously, whereas revelling means celebrating enthusiastically; the latter is also spelled reveling in American English.