'vilify' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'vilificare', where 'vilis' meant 'cheap' or 'base' and 'facere' meant 'to make'.

'vilificare' transformed into the Old French word 'vilifier', and eventually became the modern English word 'vilify' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to make something cheap or base', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to speak or write about in an abusively disparaging manner'.