What does vilified mean?
Vilified describes a person or thing subjected to harsh public criticism, denunciation, or deliberate misrepresentation as bad, shameful, or contemptible. It can function as an adjective, as in “the much-vilified decision,” or as the past tense and past participle of the verb “vilify,” as in “critics vilified the report.” The word usually implies more than simple criticism or disagreement: it suggests a hostile effort to damage someone’s reputation by presenting them in an especially objectionable light. Its use is especially common in journalism, political discourse, cultural criticism, and accounts of public controversy. Because the accusation of vilification concerns the character of an attack, the term is itself frequently disputed: people may deny that legitimate scrutiny has been unfairly characterized as malicious defamation.
Subjected to public denunciation or represented as bad, shameful, or contemptible.
"The much-vilified policy prompted protests from both supporters and opponents."
To criticize or denounce someone severely and maliciously, especially in a way that damages their reputation.
"The newspaper vilified the mayor for refusing to resign."
Vilified carries an extra sting: it does not merely criticize someone, but brands them as contemptible.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does vilified come from?
Uses of the English verb “vilify” are attested from the early 17th century. It was borrowed from the Latin “vilificare,” meaning “to make base or worthless,” formed from “vilis,” meaning “cheap, base, or worthless,” together with an element related to “facere,” “to make.” The same Latin source also produced English words such as “vile” and “vileness.”
Related word forms
How vilified is actually used
Strongly negative and typically formal, this word is common in journalism, political argument, cultural criticism, and historical writing. It conveys malicious or damaging public portrayal rather than ordinary disagreement and is frequently used in the passive or with “as.”
Easily confused with vilified
Vilified means publicly denounced or represented as contemptible, whereas vitiated means weakened, spoiled, or impaired in quality.