revile

verb

re·​vile ri-ˈvī(-ə)l 

reviled; reviling

transitive verb

: to subject to verbal abuse : vituperate

intransitive verb

: to use abusive language : rail

revilement

ri-ˈvī(-ə)l-mənt 

noun

reviler noun

Choose the Right Synonym for revile

scold, upbraid, berate, rail, revile, vituperate mean to reproach angrily and abusively.

scold implies rebuking in irritation or ill temper justly or unjustly.

angrily scolding the children

upbraid implies censuring on definite and usually justifiable grounds.

upbraided her assistants for poor research

berate suggests prolonged and often abusive scolding.

berated continually by an overbearing boss

rail (at or against) stresses an unrestrained berating.

railed loudly at their insolence

revile implies a scurrilous, abusive attack prompted by anger or hatred.

an alleged killer reviled in the press

vituperate suggests a violent reviling.

was vituperated for betraying his friends

Examples of revile in a Sentence

Many people reviled him for his callous behavior.

Recent Examples on the Web

In general, Trump seems to be borrowing from the playbook of past presidents (now generally reviled) like Andrew Jackson and James K. Polk. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 15 Feb. 2025

Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek's network of contributors Carrie Underwood's decision to perform at Donald Trump's inauguration ceremony has been both praised and reviled by fans and fellow celebrities. —Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 24 Jan. 2025

After a bruising fight, exhaustive appeals and a future that looked dim, a presence both reviled and beloved returned this week. —Megan Poinski, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025

What to know Yanukovich is reviled by many in Ukraine not just for his graft but his rejection of closer ties with the EU in favor of Kyiv's relationship with Moscow which sparked Euromaidan protests in 2014. —Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French reviler to despise, from re- + vil vile

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Phrases Containing revile

• revile as

Kids Definition

revile

verb

re·​vile ri-ˈvī(ə)l 

reviled; reviling

: to speak to or about in an insulting way

revilement

-mənt 

noun

reviler noun