hate speech

noun

: speech that is intended to insult, offend, or intimidate a person because of some trait (such as race, color, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability)

Examples of hate speech in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

An argument has been made that Kanye’s show doesn’t include any political messaging, coupled with Kraft’s assertion that Macklemore’s comment constitutes hate speech. — Shirley Halperin, Rolling Stone, 17 Sep. 2026

Certain corners of the web promote hoaxes and hate speech and reputational sabotage. — David Friend, Vanity Fair, 10 Sep. 2026

He has been banned from platforms like YouTube, TikTok and Instagram for violating hate speech guidelines. — David Fischer, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026

Mehring was accused in different newspapers of promoting both pro-Jewish agitation and antisemitic hate speech. — Literary Hub, 9 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1968, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for hate speech

• microfiche
• overreach
• taoiseach
• beach
• beech
• bleach
• breach
• breech
• each
• keech
• leach
• leech

Legal Definition

hate speech

noun

: speech that is intended to insult, offend, or intimidate a person because of some trait (as race, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, or disability)