demonizers
Those who vilify
Demonizers are people who portray others as evil or dangerous, typically to discredit or rally opposition against them.
The term implies exaggeration or unfairness—painting opponents as monstrous rather than merely wrong: The demonizers on both sides have made civil discourse impossible.
Political rhetoric frequently produces demonizers of immigrants, corporations, or opposing parties.
Spread or defame
- slanderSpoken false defamation
- defamationFalse statements harming reputation
- denigrationUnjust attack on reputation
- maligningSaying false, harmful things
disparagement · libel · calumny · traducement · aspersion · revilement · vituperation · character assassination
Assign responsibility for wrongdoing
- finger-pointingAssigning blame openly
- targetingSelecting as objective
- witch-huntPersecution of supposed subversives
- persecutionSystematic mistreatment of groups
victimization · fall-guy · patsy · deflection · misdirection · accusation · othering · singling out
Deliberately spreading exaggerated threats
- disinformationIntentional deceptive falsehoods
- misinformationFalse data spread unintentionally
- spinRapid rotation around axis
- manipulationUnderhanded control of others
incitement · agitprop · indoctrination · brainwashing · polarization · distortion · hyperbole · fabrication
smear
Spread or defame
- slanderSpoken false defamation
- defamationFalse statements harming reputation
- denigrationUnjust attack on reputation
maligning · disparagement · libel · calumny · traducement · aspersion · revilement · vituperation · character assassination · mud-slinging
blame
Assign responsibility for wrongdoing
- finger-pointingAssigning blame openly
- targetingSelecting as objective
- witch-huntPersecution of supposed subversives
persecution · victimization · fall-guy · patsy · deflection · misdirection · accusation · othering · singling out · marginalization
fearmongering
Deliberately spreading exaggerated threats
- disinformationIntentional deceptive falsehoods
- misinformationFalse data spread unintentionally
- spinRapid rotation around axis
manipulation · incitement · agitprop · indoctrination · brainwashing · polarization · distortion · hyperbole · fabrication · deception
demonizersdefenders
Those who shield others
apologists · champions · vindicators · whitewashers · rehabilitators
demonizersadmirers
People who appreciate someone
hagiographers · advocates · lionizers · supporters · idealizers
demonizershumanizers
Those who add warmth
empathizers · bridge-builders · reconcilers · devil's advocates