demonising
Making into monsters
Demonising is the British spelling of demonizing—portraying someone or something as evil, threatening, or worthy of hatred.
Politicians demonise opponents; media demonises minorities; parents demonise video games.
The word implies the characterisation is unfair or exaggerated: Stop demonising people who disagree with you.
One spreading exaggerated fears
- alarmistOne who overstates threats
- propagandistPusher of biased messaging
- sensationalistOne who inflames reactions
- inciterOne who provokes action
agitator · provocateur · inflamer · hysteria · moral panic · disinformation · misinformation · hate speech
Unfairly blamed person
- marginalizeTreat as insignificant
- ostracizeExclude from a group
- dehumanizeStrip of dignity
- alienateCause emotional distance
stigmatize · outcast · exclude · discriminate · prejudice · stereotype · brand · label
Attack someone's reputation
- denouncePublicly declare wrongdoing
- condemnDeclare wrong or guilty
- defameHarm reputation falsely
- disparageExpress low opinion of
slander · smear · malign · denigrate · discredit · tarnish · impugn · decry
scaremonger
One spreading exaggerated fears
- alarmistOne who overstates threats
- propagandistPusher of biased messaging
- sensationalistOne who inflames reactions
inciter · agitator · provocateur · inflamer · hysteria · moral panic · disinformation · misinformation · hate speech · inflammatory
scapegoat
Unfairly blamed person
- marginalizeTreat as insignificant
- ostracizeExclude from a group
- dehumanizeStrip of dignity
alienate · stigmatize · outcast · exclude · discriminate · prejudice · stereotype · brand · label · target
vilify
Attack someone's reputation
disparage · slander · smear · malign · denigrate · discredit · tarnish · impugn · decry · censure
diabolical
Extremely wicked or cruel
- satanicExtremely wicked or cruel
- hellishExtremely unpleasant or cruel
- monstrousFrighteningly huge or wicked
fiendish · infernal · evil · wicked · sinister · malevolent · villainous · inhuman · barbaric · savage
- vilificationvilification, vilifying, stigmatizing, stigmatization, character assassination
demonisingglorifying
Praising to excess
lionising · sanctifying · venerating · exalting · praising
demonisinghumanising
Making more relatable
understanding · acknowledging · contextualising · dignifying
demonisingdefending
Protecting against harm
championing · vindicating · rehabilitating · legitimising · standing up for
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