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Glite Dictionary
to devilize

to devilize

9.9
To show someone as very evil in stories or reports
  • verb
  • /ˈdɛvɪˌlaɪz/
translation icon : demonizar
  • Some historians argue that media coverage tends to devilize political opponents.

Examples

  • Don't devilize him just because he made a mistake!

  • The novel depicts a society that attempts to devilize those who question authority.

  • His actions were misrepresented in ways that seemed to devilize his entire character.

  • They devilized the character to make the story more interesting.

  • The media often seeks to devilize public figures who challenge societal norms.

  • In her speech, she warned against efforts to devilize those who hold different beliefs.

  • Some political campaigns try to devilize their opponents by exaggerating their faults.

Synonyms

to demonize
vsto devilize
  • Literature
77 7.1

Make a person, group, or thing seem evil and dangerous, often unfairly

is used without implying unfair or exaggerated blame
to villainize
vsto devilize
  • US
2 6.9

Show someone as evil or the cause of problems

is narrower, focusing on making something seem deeply evil rather than generally bad
to diabolize
vsto devilize
  • US
9.9

To make a person or group seem very evil

is identical in meaning but exists as an alternate word form

How Evil

to devilize
9.9
to demonize
  • Literature
77 7.1
to vilify
43 7.9
to criticize
701 3.3

Surface Forms

devilize infinitive
devilized past
devilized past participle
devilizing present participle
devilizes third person singular

Morphology

devilize = devil (transparent) = devil + ize

The productive verb-forming suffix '-ize' adds 'make/cause to be' to 'devil', so the meaning is directly derived.

Etymology

Devilize comes from the word devil ('evil spirit' or 'very bad person') plus the ending -ize ('to make'). So, to devilize someone is to make them seem like a devil or to show them as evil.