revile

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   To criticize someone harshly using abusive or insulting language.

   Critics reviled the politician for breaking his promises.

2. 2
   verb

   To spread harsh, negative talk about someone or something.

   The newspaper reviled the new policy day after day.

From Middle English revilen, from re + Old French aviler (“to make vile or cheap, disprize, disesteem”), from a- (“to”) + vil (“vile, cheap”); see vile.

Topics