vilification

noun

vil·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌvi-lə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

1

: the act of vilifying : abuse

2

: an instance of vilifying : a defamatory utterance

Synonyms of vilification

• defamation
• libel
• defaming
• libeling
• criticism

Examples of vilification in a Sentence

warned that the constant vilification of candidates for public office was undermining the people's faith in the political system

Recent Examples on the Web

If stepping up to guide a community through a crisis risks personal and professional vilification once the lights turn on, the best and brightest will simply choose to stay on the sidelines. — Ronald Nahass, STAT, 6 Aug. 2026

Why the Cockroaches won The cockroach protests overwhelmed Modi’s regime of control because the young protesters were immune to the blackout and the vilification by India’s mainstream media. — Asim Ali, Time, 1 Aug. 2026

His one talent was his ability to foresee that the vilification of ambitious and successful people might lead to the political mass resentment and hatred for such individuals. — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 9 July 2026

As vilification of the Founders and the Revolution became more common, both in academia and in society at large, Wood functioned as part elder statesman and part lightning rod. — Craig Bruce Smith, The Atlantic, 9 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1630, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for vilification

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration