vilifying
|vil-i-fy-ing|
/ˈvɪlɪfaɪ/
(vilify)
to defame
Etymology
'vilify' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'vilificare', where 'vilis' meant 'cheap' or 'base' and the element '-ficare' (from facere) meant 'to make'.
'vilify' changed from Latin 'vilificare' into Old French 'vilifier' and was adopted into English (late 16th century) as 'vilify'.
Initially it meant 'to make cheap or base', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to speak or write of someone as worthless; to defame'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the act of vilifying; verbal or written abuse intended to disparage someone (gerund use).
Vilifying others won't help your argument.
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Verb 1
present participle or gerund form of 'vilify': to speak or write about someone in an abusively disparaging, defamatory way.
The newspaper was accused of vilifying the mayor during the election campaign.
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Adjective 1
serving to vilify; defamatory or slanderous (used attributively).
His vilifying remarks damaged her reputation.
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Last updated: 2025/10/21 11:09