To speak ill of; to depreciate; to belittle or disparage someone or something. It is the act of expressing contempt for something or someone, often publicly and with harsh criticism. Vilipending can involve spreading malicious rumors, making derogatory remarks, or otherwise attempting to damage the reputation or worth of the target. The motivation behind vilipending can range from personal dislike or envy to political or ideological disagreement, often involving the deliberate erosion of another's standing.
Vilipender meaning with examples
- The political commentator was known for frequently vilipending his opponents, using inflammatory language to diminish their credibility. He would attack their policies and personal lives with a sharp tongue, alienating those who disagreed with his perspectives but attracting a loyal audience. This constant barrage of criticism, even when unsupported by evidence, became a key component of his broadcasting style.
- After the scandal, the media relentlessly vilipended the once-celebrated athlete. Every perceived fault was magnified, and their past achievements were minimized to the point of erasure. The onslaught of criticism and judgement caused great mental stress for the now maligned athlete, who became a shell of their former self.
- Rather than attempting to understand the complexities of the situation, they chose to vilipend the opposing side, fueling the conflict with hateful rhetoric. This only widened the gap, making constructive dialogue impossible. The constant barrage of negative sentiments resulted in a breakdown of communication and a deepening of division in the community.
- The art critic, known for his brutal honesty, often vilipended the works of lesser-known artists, dismissing their efforts with scathing reviews. This cruel nature meant that few artists thrived in the critics circle, and many left the industry from the sting of his pen. Despite the negativity, the critic was widely respected for his deep understanding of the trade.