villainize

English

Alternative forms

• villainise

Etymology

From villain +‎ -ize.

Verb

villainize (third-person singular simple present villainizes, present participle villainizing, simple past and past participle villainized)

1. (transitive) To represent as a villain.
   • 1997, Richard H. Reeves, Business, commerce, and social responsibility: beyond agenda:

     Managers and leaders villainize those who interfere with their needs and desires — those who do not support the organization. Workers and outsiders villainize managers and leaders for not sharing benefits and rewards created by business.

Derived terms

• villainization

See also

• demonize
• vilify