Search Dictionary
Definition of vilify

vilify

/ˈvɪl.ɪ.faɪ/
vil · i · fy
Adjective:vile
•
Past Simple:vilified
•
Past Participle:vilified
•
Present Participle:vilifying
JUMP TO:

vilify Lexical Profile

vilify Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To speak or write about someone or something in an abusively disparaging, defamatory, or slanderous manner.

Example

"The candidate was unfairly vilified by rival commentators throughout the election campaign."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for vilify
Antonyms
View all antonyms for vilify

• Nearby Words

vile
vilely
vileness
vilify
villa
villach
village

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Late Latin vilificare ('to esteem of little value'), formed from Latin vilis ('cheap, worthless, base') and facere ('to make').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Vilify. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/vilify
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.