First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
revile
verb re·vile \ri-ˈvī(-ə)l\
: to speak about (someone or something) in a very critical or insulting way
re·viledre·vil·ing
Full Definition of REVILE
transitive verb
: to subject to verbal abuse : vituperate
intransitive verb
See revile defined for English-language learners
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Origin of REVILE
Middle English, from Anglo-French reviler to despise, from re- + vil vile
Synonym Discussion of 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>.
REVILE Defined for Kids
revile
verb re·vile \ri-ˈvīl\
re·viledre·vil·ing
Definition of REVILE for Kids
: to speak to or about in an insulting way
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