Vilifications

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. The act of harshly criticizing or denouncing someone, particularly in a public context
2. Statements or accusations that malign or defame an individual, often to damage their reputation
3. The process of using abusive language or slanderous remarks to verbally attack or disparage someone negatively

Etymology: "Vilifications" is the plural of "vilification," so it names several acts of vilifying, or abusive attacks on a person. The base word is "vilify," which comes from the Late Latin "vilificare," built from the Latin "vilis" (cheap, worthless, of low value) and "facere" (to make). To vilify someone, then, is literally to make them worthless or cheap in others' eyes. The "-ation" ending turns the verb into a noun for the act or result, and the plural form simply counts the separate attacks.

Synonyms: defamation, slander, denigration

Antonyms: praise, commendation, acclaim