Dictionary entry

Vilify

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Vil″i‐fy (vĭl″ĭ‐fī), v. t. [imp. & p. p.Vilified (?); p. pr. & vb. n.Vilifying.] [L. vilis vile + -fy; cf. L. vilificare to esteem of little value.] 1. To make vile; to debase; to degrade; to disgrace.

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.

I do vilify your censure. Beau. & Fl.