revile

verb

re·​vile ri-ˈvī(-ə)l 

reviled; reviling

transitive verb

: to subject to verbal abuse : vituperate

intransitive verb

: to use abusive language : rail

revilement

ri-ˈvī(-ə)l-mənt 

noun

reviler noun

Choose the Right Synonym for revile

scold, upbraid, berate, rail, revile, vituperate mean to reproach angrily and abusively.

scold implies rebuking in irritation or ill temper justly or unjustly.

angrily scolding the children

upbraid implies censuring on definite and usually justifiable grounds.

upbraided her assistants for poor research

berate suggests prolonged and often abusive scolding.

berated continually by an overbearing boss

rail (at or against) stresses an unrestrained berating.

railed loudly at their insolence

revile implies a scurrilous, abusive attack prompted by anger or hatred.

an alleged killer reviled in the press

vituperate suggests a violent reviling.

was vituperated for betraying his friends

Examples of revile in a Sentence

Many people reviled him for his callous behavior.

Recent Examples on the Web

These weapons are reviled among human rights advocacy organizations and can have lasting civilian impacts. —Ellie Cook, Newsweek, 18 Dec. 2024

Gülen also became an isolated figure within Turkey, reviled by Erdoğan’s supporters and shunned by the opposition which saw his network as having conspired over decades to undermine the secular foundations of the republic. —Reuters, NBC News, 21 Oct. 2024

On the West Coast, manager and filmmaker Chris Stokes wrote and directed 2004’s critically reviled, quietly beloved You Got Served, a showcase for the gifts of Marques Houston and B2K, acts from his label, the Ultimate Group. —Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 7 Oct. 2024

Photograph: Getty Images Spotify Wrapped’s animated yearly recap of your listening habits—at once beloved and reviled—is back again. —Elana Klein, WIRED, 4 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French reviler to despise, from re- + vil vile

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Phrases Containing revile

• revile as

Kids Definition

revile

verb

re·​vile ri-ˈvī(ə)l 

reviled; reviling

: to speak to or about in an insulting way

revilement

-mənt 

noun

reviler noun