What does "vilify" mean?

Vilify: To degrade or debase by report; to defame; to traduce; to calumniate. I. Taylor. Many passions dispose us to depress and vilify the merit of one rising in the esteem of mankind. Addison.

Additional senses

  1. 2.To treat as vile; to despise. [Obs.] I do vilify your censure. Beau. & Fl.

Sources