vilify
UK: ˈvɪl.ɪ.faɪ | US: ˈvɪl.ə.faɪ
vt. to speak or write about someone in a way that unfairly harms their reputation; to defame or slander
The word "vilify" originates from the Latin vilis (meaning "cheap" or "worthless") combined with the verb-forming suffix -ify. Over time, the sense of "making someone seem worthless" evolved into its modern meaning of defaming or slandering someone through speech or writing. The progression reflects a logical shift from devaluing an object to disparaging a person’s character.
The tabloids often vilify celebrities without evidence.
Politicians are frequently vilified by their opponents during campaigns.
She refused to vilify her colleague, even when pressured to do so.
Historical figures are sometimes vilified or glorified based on biased accounts.
The article sought to vilify the scientist’s groundbreaking research as fraudulent.