vilify
definition
to speak or write about in an abusively disparaging manner
example
Many politicians vilify their opponents during campaigns, spreading misinformation to damage their reputations.
synonyms
defamemaligndenigrate
word origin — The word 'vilify' comes from the Latin word 'vilificare,' which means 'to make cheap or disgraceful.' The prefix 'vili-' refers to 'cheap or worthless,' and the suffix '-fy' means 'to make.'