vilipend

[ vil-uh-pend ]

verb (used with object)

1. to regard or treat as of little value or account.
2. to vilify; depreciate.

vilipend

/ ˈvɪlɪˌpɛnd /

verb

1. to treat or regard with contempt
2. to speak slanderously or slightingly of

Derived Forms

• ˈviliˌpender, noun

Other Words From

• vili·pender noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of vilipend¹

1425–75; late Middle English < Late Latin vīlipendere, equivalent to Latin vīli ( s ) cheap ( vile ) + pendere to consider ( pensive )

Word History and Origins

Origin of vilipend¹

C15: from Late Latin vīlipendere, from Latin vīlis worthless + pendere to esteem

Example Sentences

But with what consistency, my lord Bishop, do you to-day vaunt “the principles” of the very men whom yesterday you vilipended precisely because their “principles” then seemed to yourself so utterly unsatisfactory?

From Project Gutenberg

Courage is needed in the profession and maintenance of the true and the right, when denied, assailed, or vilipended.

From Project Gutenberg

One Richard Hunt was summoned for certain articles implying contempt, and for vilipending his lordship's jurisdiction.

From Project Gutenberg

We are used to see, that Man despises What he never comprehends, And the Good and the Beautiful vilipends, Finding them often hard to measure: Will the dog, like man, snarl his displeasure?

From Project Gutenberg

He would be a thin spirit who should gain a lady's friendly regard, and then vilipend because she knew no better, or could not choose.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• disobey
• forget
• neglect
• omit
• overlook