Vilifies is a term used to describe the act of attacking, defaming, reviling, and smearing someone or something. It is a form of verbal abuse that is meant to hurt the reputation of the target. Vilifies is often used in a legal context, as it can be considered libel or slander. The four crossword solutions all refer to different ways of vilifying someone or something. Attacks refers to physical or verbal aggression, DEFAMES means to make false statements about someone or something, reviles means to express contempt or hatred, and smears means to spread false information.