vilification
noun
vil·i·fi·ca·tion
ˌvi-lə-fə-ˈkā-shən 
Synonyms
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
The vilification of Isiah Thomas began in his prime playing years.
—
Rich Cohen, Rolling Stone, 26 Sep. 2023
The vilification of youth climate activists has continued since then—particularly of Thunberg, who U.S. Atlas members have accused of everything from simply not understanding how the economy works to being part of a media conspiracy.
—Amy Westervelt, The New Republic, 12 Sep. 2023
Nancy Pelosi has for years been the target of right-wing demonization — vilification that culminated around 2 a.m. on Oct. 28, when prosecutors say DePape broke into Pelosi’s home.
—Reis Thebault, Washington Post, 14 Dec. 2022
These elements include not just the intense vilification of Native Americans as the principal antagonists of the British colonial world, but more importantly, the central influence that Native peoples had upon the formation of American national identity.
—Sophia Nguyen, Washington Post, 16 June 2023
Jackson’s media vilification later opened public dialogue surrounding arbitrary media censorship, brazen gender inequality, and the inherent sexualization of female bodies.
—Colin Scanlon, Redbook, 8 May 2023
Look at the vilification of Dr. Anthony Fauci and other public-health experts.
—Kai Bird, The New Yorker, 7 July 2023
And that often enables the vilification of Israel to take place.
—CBS News, 23 Apr. 2023
At a time of rising antisemitism in Australia and increasing vilification, his presence in the country, revolting anti-Jewish propaganda and incitement, and abhorrent rhetoric poses a significant risk to the Jewish community.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 23 Jan. 2023
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Rich Cohen, Rolling Stone, 26 Sep. 2023
The vilification of youth climate activists has continued since then—particularly of Thunberg, who U.S. Atlas members have accused of everything from simply not understanding how the economy works to being part of a media conspiracy.
—Amy Westervelt, The New Republic, 12 Sep. 2023
Nancy Pelosi has for years been the target of right-wing demonization — vilification that culminated around 2 a.m. on Oct. 28, when prosecutors say DePape broke into Pelosi’s home.
—Reis Thebault, Washington Post, 14 Dec. 2022
These elements include not just the intense vilification of Native Americans as the principal antagonists of the British colonial world, but more importantly, the central influence that Native peoples had upon the formation of American national identity.
—Sophia Nguyen, Washington Post, 16 June 2023
Jackson’s media vilification later opened public dialogue surrounding arbitrary media censorship, brazen gender inequality, and the inherent sexualization of female bodies.
—Colin Scanlon, Redbook, 8 May 2023
Look at the vilification of Dr. Anthony Fauci and other public-health experts.
—Kai Bird, The New Yorker, 7 July 2023
And that often enables the vilification of Israel to take place.
—CBS News, 23 Apr. 2023
At a time of rising antisemitism in Australia and increasing vilification, his presence in the country, revolting anti-Jewish propaganda and incitement, and abhorrent rhetoric poses a significant risk to the Jewish community.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 23 Jan. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'vilification.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1630, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near vilification
Cite this Entry
“Vilification.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vilification. Accessed 2 Dec. 2023.
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More from Merriam-Webster on vilification
Nglish: Translation of vilification for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of vilification for Arabic Speakers
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