vilify

IPA/ˈvɪlɪfaɪ/
KK[vˈɪlɪfˌaɪ]IPA/ˈvɪlɪfaɪ/

vilify — 動詞

  • vilifypresent simple I / you / we / they
  • vilifieshe / she / it
  • vilifiedpast simple
  • vilifying-ing form

1. to deliberately speak or write harsh and often unfair things about a person or g

1.動詞及物C1
釋義

誹謗

以言語或文字惡意攻擊他人名譽

to deliberately speak or write harsh and often unfair things about a person or group so that others see them in a bad light

例句

Opposition MPs vilified the new law in parliament, calling it an attack on workers' rights.

反對黨議員在國會中誹謗這部新法，稱其為對勞工權益的攻擊。

vilify + abstract noun (law/policy) as direct object

After the scandal, Kwame felt his former colleagues had vilified him unfairly to protect themselves.

醜聞過後，Kwame 覺得以前的同事為了保護自己而不公平地詆毀他。

同義詞
  • defame

    more legal and formal; refers specifically to harming reputation through false statements that could be actionable in court

  • slander

    narrower — specifically spoken (not written) defamation; also a legal term

  • malign

    more literary and less aggressive; suggests subtle or indirect harm rather than open attack

  • smear

    informal, used especially in political contexts for a coordinated campaign of false accusations

反義詞
  • praise

    to express warm approval or admiration

  • commend

    to officially praise someone or something, often publicly

文法句型

vilify + noun phrase (person/group/institution)

be vilified + by + agent (who does the vilifying)

be vilified + as + noun/adjective (label given)

vilify + for + noun/gerund (reason for vilifying)

用法筆記

A much stronger word than 'criticise' or 'attack' — vilifying someone always implies an unfair and deliberately damaging intent. Frequently found in political, media, and public-debate contexts.

常見錯誤

❌The teacher vilified the student for being late to class.
✅The teacher criticised the student for being late to class.
💡'vilify' is far too strong for a minor fault; it implies a deliberate attempt to destroy someone's reputation.