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Vilification - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Vilification is the act of making harsh, abusive statements about someone to damage their reputation. It involves spreading false or malicious claims to degrade or defame a person or group.

vilification

/ˌvɪləfəˈkeɪʃən/ /ˌvɪlɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/

Definition:

The act of making harsh, abusive statements to damage someone's reputation.

Synonyms:

defamation, slander, disparagement, calumny

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

praise, commendation

Common Collocations:

public vilification, political vilification, personal vilification

Derivatives:

vilify, vilifier, vilifying

Usage Tips:

Use "vilification" to describe severe verbal abuse aimed at harming someone's character or reputation.

Common Phrases:

campaign of vilification, target of vilification, face vilification

Etymology:

From Latin "vilis" (cheap, base) + "facere" (to make), meaning to make someone seem worthless.

Examples:

  • 1. The politician faced widespread vilification after the scandal broke.
  • 2. Her speech condemned the media's vilification of innocent people.
  • 3. Vilification often leads to emotional distress and social isolation.
  • 4. The article was accused of promoting hateful vilification of minorities.

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