reviled

[ ri-vahyld ]

adjective

1. addressed or spoken of with contemptuous or abusive language:

   They have repeatedly bombed civilian targets and conducted mass kidnappings—tactics that have made them one of the most reviled terrorist groups in the world.

verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of revile.

Other Words From

• un·re·viled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of reviled¹

revile ( def ) + -ed ²( def )

Example Sentences

A Peruvian priest who founded liberation theology, a movement advocating an active role for the Roman Catholic Church in fighting poverty and injustice but reviled by some as Marxist, has died.

From BBC

A relative of a reviled international terrorist abandoned it.

From Los Angeles Times

A woman once viewed as a democrat but later reviled by many as a despot had fled like a fugitive under cover of internet darkness.

From BBC

After questioning his abilities and integrity during the primaries, they gave full-throated backing to a man they once loudly reviled, saying that unifying behind their former foe was crucial for the nation’s future.

From Los Angeles Times

Now, he is a national celebrity, reviled by both Fidesz, from which he is trying to attract conservative voters, and by a leftist opposition bloc whose supporters he also wants.

From New York Times

Related Words

• aggrieved
• disgraced
• humiliated
• outraged
• shamed