What does vilify mean?
Vilify means to attack someone or something through contemptuous or damaging speech or writing, often by presenting the target as morally bad, corrupt, or worthy of ridicule. The word is commonly transitive and is frequently used in political, journalistic, legal, and public-relations contexts. Its force lies in its suggestion that the speaker is not merely criticizing behavior but deliberately trying to damage a person's character or reputation. “Vilify” is stronger and more accusatory than “criticize,” while it can overlap with words such as “defame,” “malign,” and “denigrate” without necessarily carrying their precise legal or social implications. Although the verb can occasionally be used in less formal writing, it generally signals serious hostility or moral condemnation. Its vivid history adds to its impact: the word entered English in the early 17th century through French and Latin and originally conveyed the idea of making something vile or worthless.
verbTo speak or write about someone or something in a contemptuous, abusive, or reputationally damaging way.
- To speak or write about someone or something with contempt, hostility, or ridicule, especially in a way that damages their reputation.
"The politician sought to vilify his opponents by presenting them as dishonest and corrupt."
"The newspaper was accused of vilifying a community it portrayed as uncivilized."
"Rather than vilify her former colleague, she described the disagreement without personal attacks."
Vilify literally means “to make vile”: the word turns an accusation into a deliberate assault on someone's character.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does vilify come from?
Vilify entered English in the early 17th century from French vilifier, meaning “to make vile.” The French word came from Latin vilificare, formed from vilis, meaning “vile,” “base,” or “worthless.” The English words vile, vileness, and vility reflect the same Latin root.
Related word forms
How vilify is actually used
Vilify is a formal, strongly negative verb used especially in serious political, legal, and media contexts. It usually implies deliberate contempt or reputational damage and is more forceful than criticize, although it does not necessarily involve making a false statement.
Easily confused with vilify
To vilify is to attack someone's character or reputation, whereas to verify is to establish the truth or accuracy of something.