vilification

noun

vil·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌvi-lə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce vilification (audio)
1
: the act of vilifying : abuse
2
: an instance of vilifying : a defamatory utterance

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 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

Time Traveler
The first known use of vilification was in 1630

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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