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

• aspersing
• blackening
• calumniation
• calumny
• character assassination
• defamation
• defaming
• libel
• libeling
• libelling
• maligning
• slander
• smearing
• traducing
• vilifying

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 Virology authors warn that the vilification of scientists whose research supports the zoonosis hypothesis will leave society defenseless when the next pandemic threat emerges. —Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2024

Despite prolonged suppression and vilification, the animal rights movement has endured. —Sunaura Taylor, Vox, 7 Aug. 2024

Executives’ excitement for Harris is both stylistic and substantive—with her instinctive preference for centrist governance, constructive problem solving, and collaboration over vilification. —Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, TIME, 26 July 2024

Her expansive body of work covers themes of love, lust and longing, as well as friendship, vilification, grief, self-interrogation and self-actualisation. —Crystal Andrews, refinery29.com, 21 Feb. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1630, in the meaning defined at sense 1