Word of the Day : December 16, 2020

vilify \VIL-uh-fye\ verb

Definition

1 : to utter slanderous and abusive statements against : defame

2 : to lower in estimation or importance

Did You Know?

Vilify came to English by way of the Middle English vilifien and the Late Latin vilificare, from the Latin adjective vilis, meaning "cheap" or "vile." It first appeared in English in the 15th century. Also debuting during that time was another verb that derives from vilis and has a similar meaning: vilipend. When they were first used in English, both vilify and vilipend meant to regard someone or something as being of little worth or importance. Vilipend now carries an additional meaning of "to express a low opinion of somebody," while vilify means, more specifically, to express such an opinion publicly in a way that intends to embarrass a person or ruin his or her reputation.

Aired December 16, 2020

All Merriam-Webster content is available at www.merriam-webster.com