vilify Meaning, Definition & Usage

Vil"i*fy transitive verb

Etymology

L. vilis vile + -fly; cf. L. vilificare to esteem of little value.

Wordforms

imperfect & past participle Vilified ; present participle & verbal noun Vilifying

Definitions

1. To make vile; to debase; to degrade; to disgrace. R.

   When themselves they vilified To serve ungoverned appetite. Milton.

2. To degrade or debase by report; to defame; to traduce; to calumniate. I. Taylor.

   Many passions dispose us to depress and vilify the merit of one rising in the esteem of mankind. Addison.

3. To treat as vile; to despise. Obs.

   I do vilify your censure. Beau. & Fl.