villainize

[vil-uh-nahyz]

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verb (used with object) vil·lain·ized, vil·lain·iz·ing.

to speak ill of; disparage; vilify: to villainize the wealthy.

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Origin of villainize

First recorded in 1620–30; villain + -ize

Can be confusedvillainize vilify

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words

sully revile tarnish smear taint denigrate insult disparage misrepresent vilify besmirch disgrace scandalize malign discredit defile harm accuse pollute soil