Revile
/rɪˈvaɪl/noun
To criticize in an abusive or angrily insulting manner.
Did you know?The word 'revile' comes from a Latin root meaning 'to violate', hinting at the deep connection between words and the power to harm or heal.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
revīlāre
“To unveil or disclose, often used in the context of revealing faults.”
Old French
Old French
reviler
“To attack verbally; to scorn or insult.”
14th Century
Middle English
revilen
“To reproach or insult, particularly in a bitter manner.”
Modern English
English
revile
“To criticize in an angry, insulting way, retaining the sense of unveiling someone's faults.”