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

Still, the attacks on Lively last year were reminiscent of the successful online vilification of Amber Heard during Johnny Depp’s 2022 Nathan-assisted $50 million defamation case against the Aquaman star. —Dominic Patten, Deadline, 21 Apr. 2025

The vilification of Chinese immigrants led to one of the most shameful laws in American history: the Chinese Exclusion Act. —Agustina Vergara Cid, Oc Register, 30 Mar. 2025

The tribal vilification of the Japanese during WWII facilitated support for the internment of 120,000 Japanese and American citizens in concentration camps, marking one of the most disgraceful eras in America’s history. —Agustina Vergara Cid, Oc Register, 30 Mar. 2025

Her vilification was fueled by the perception of Ono as an exotic temptress, and from a basic refusal to take her seriously. —Beatrice Loayza, ARTnews.com, 26 Mar. 2025

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