\Vil"i*fy\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Vilified}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Vilifying}.] [L. vilis vile + -fly; cf. L. vilificare to esteem of little value.] 1. To make vile; to debase; to degrade; to disgrace. [R.] When themselves they vilified To serve ungoverned appetite. --Milton. 2. To degrade or debase by report; to defame; to traduce; to calumniate. --I. Taylor. Many passions dispose us to depress and vilify the merit of one rising in the esteem of mankind. --Addison. 3. To treat as vile; to despise. [Obs.] I do vilify your censure. --Beau. & Fl.