ˈviləˌpend verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English vilipenden, from Middle French vilipender, from Medieval Latin vilipendere, from Latin vilis cheap, base, vile + pendere to weigh, estimate — more at pendant
transitive verb
1. : to hold or treat as of small worth or account : contemn
that petulant volatility which … vilipends the conversation and advice of seniors — Sir Walter Scott
2. : to speak of slightingly or disparagingly : express a low opinion of : depreciate
a censorious critic might vilipend it … as want of imagination — Frederick Pollock
intransitive verb
: to be disparaging or depreciatory