diabolize
Cast as evil
To diabolize is to portray someone or something as evil or demonic—to cast them as a devil figure.
The word appears in religious and political contexts where opponents are characterized as wicked or satanic: The propaganda diabolized the enemy leader.
Less common than its synonym demonize, which has largely displaced it.
Portray as wicked
- demonizePortray as utterly evil
- monsterFrightening imaginary creature
- dehumanizeStrip of dignity
- otherizeTreat as alien
scapegoat · stigmatize · anathematize · condemn · denounce · malign · defame · denigrate
Extremely wicked or cruel
- fiendishExtremely cruel or wicked
- demonicOf or like devils
- infernalOf the underworld
- hellishExtremely unpleasant or cruel
malevolent · sinister · nefarious · wicked · maleficent · iniquitous · unholy · impious
villainize
Portray as wicked
- demonizePortray as utterly evil
- monsterFrightening imaginary creature
- dehumanizeStrip of dignity
otherize · scapegoat · stigmatize · anathematize · condemn · denounce · malign · defame · denigrate · calumniate
satanic
Extremely wicked or cruel
hellish · malevolent · sinister · nefarious · wicked · maleficent · iniquitous · unholy · impious · blasphemous
deprave
Corrupt morally
pollute · contaminate · debase · profane · degrade · corrupt · poison · warp · twist · seduce
- diabolical pactAgreement with evil forces
- diabolical choiceCruelly impossible decision
diabolical, diabolic, diabolically, diabolism, diabolises, diabolist, diabolized, diabolizing