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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Why is the American state so susceptible to vilification? Jon D. Michaels, Foreign Affairs, 15 Aug. 2017 The continued vilification of immigrants only serves to harm American families, communities, and our economy. John Yoo and John Shu, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025 Businesses benefiting from minority funding programs are also in line to experience the shockwaves of the President’s vilification of what fellow conservatives view as the infiltration of wokeism into American culture and politics necessitating an end to policies promoting affirmative action. Gus Alexiou, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025 The way such seed oils are typically made also contributes to their vilification. Erica Sloan, SELF, 13 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for vilification

Word History

First Known Use

1630, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of vilification was in 1630

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Cite this Entry

“Vilification.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vilification. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.

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