vilification

Vilification is the act of describing or portraying a person or group as vile, base, or contemptible, often by making derogatory statements intended to damage their reputation or social standing. It can take the form of spoken or written statements, caricatures, or campaigns designed to dehumanize.

Vilification differs from ordinary criticism or satire, which may be factual or contextual. It often relies on sweeping or unfounded claims that target groups or individuals on grounds such as race, religion, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, or disability.

In law, vilification can overlap with defamation but is frequently addressed under hate-speech or anti-discrimination statutes rather than general fault-based defamation. Some jurisdictions criminalize vilification of protected characteristics, while others rely on civil remedies or permit such speech if it does not threaten or incite violence.

The effects of vilification can include social exclusion, harassment, and undermining access to employment, education, or public life. Legal responses and platforms’ moderation aim to curb harm, while advocates for free expression caution against overbroad restrictions and emphasize counterspeech and factual rebuttals.

Vilification remains a topic of debate in liberal democracies, balancing protection of dignity with freedom of expression. See also related topics such as defamation, hate speech, harassment, smear campaigns, and character assassination.