reviled

Reviled is the past participle and adjective form of the verb revile. To revile someone or something is to subject them to abusive language, to condemn or denounce in harsh, contemptuous terms. The term is typically used to describe strong, public disapproval and demeaning treatment, rather than simple disagreement. For example, a controversial policy may be reviled by critics, or a public figure may be reviled by opponents.

Usage notes: Reviled tends to imply moral condemnation and is used in journalistic and literary contexts. It is more extreme than "criticized" or "denounced" and can carry a sense of widespread backlash. The subject of revilement is commonly persons, policies, ideas, or actions that provoke intense hostility. In passive voice, one might say "the policy was reviled by the public."

Etymology: The word reviled comes from the verb revile, which itself originates in English and is formed from the prefix re- added to vil-, a root connected to Old French vil and Latin vilis meaning cheap or worthless. The sense evolved to emphasize denouncing or abusing someone in strong terms.