revile
What does "revile" mean?
To revile someone is to criticize them in a harsh, abusive, or scornful manner. The mental image is of someone standing before a crowd or an individual, shouting venomous insults and attempting to strip away their dignity through purely negative language. This word is significantly stronger than "criticize" or "insult." It implies a moral condemnation or a deep-seated hatred. You will most often see it in formal, literary, or historical contexts, such as describing how a disgraced politician was reviled by the public or how a character in a novel is reviled by their peers for a past betrayal.
"revile" in conversation
Discussing a controversial historical figure
Do you think he deserved to be so reviled after the scandal?
Do you think he deserved to be so reviled after the scandal?
Absolutely. His actions were unforgivable, and the public outcry was justified.
Absolutely. His actions were unforgivable, and the public outcry was justified.
Used to discuss moral judgment of a past action.
Analyzing a film villain
The character is clearly meant to be reviled by the audience.
The character is clearly meant to be reviled by the audience.
True, every line he speaks is designed to make you hate him more.
True, every line he speaks is designed to make you hate him more.
Describes the intended reaction of an audience toward a character.
"revile" in a sentence
The corrupt official was reviled by the citizens.
The corrupt official was reviled by the citizens.
She refused to let the harsh words of those who reviled her dampen her spirit.
She refused to let the harsh words of those who reviled her dampen her spirit.
In his final manifesto, he lamented how the media had reviled his life's work without ever understanding his intentions.
In his final manifesto, he lamented how the media had reviled his life's work without ever understanding his intentions.
