vilify
To "vilify" means to speak or write about someone in an intentionally disparaging, abusive, or malicious way. The mental image is of someone actively trying to drag another person's reputation through the mud, painting them as a villain or a monster to turn public opinion against them. This word is typically used in formal or journalistic contexts to describe character assassination or intense public criticism. It is a strong term, implying that the speaker is deliberately trying to lower the subject's status or moral standing in the eyes of others.
In conversation
Discussing a political scandal
The media is really going after him today.
The media is really going after him today.
It’s ridiculous. They are vilifying him before the investigation even starts.
It’s ridiculous. They are vilifying him before the investigation even starts.
Used here to describe unfair pre-judgment by the press.
A debate about history
Do you think he was truly a monster?
Do you think he was truly a monster?
I think history has vilified him, but the reality was probably more nuanced.
I think history has vilified him, but the reality was probably more nuanced.
Used to suggest that a historical figure's reputation may be exaggeratedly negative.
Examples
The tabloids continue to vilify the actor for his past mistakes.
The tabloids continue to vilify the actor for his past mistakes.
She refused to vilify her opponents, preferring instead to focus on policy.
She refused to vilify her opponents, preferring instead to focus on policy.
The regime sought to vilify the activists as enemies of the state to justify their imprisonment.
The regime sought to vilify the activists as enemies of the state to justify their imprisonment.
