hatred

noun

ha·​tred ˈhā-trəd 

1

: extreme dislike or disgust : hate

2

: ill will or resentment that is usually mutual : prejudiced hostility or animosity

… old racial prejudices and national hatreds …

—Peter Thomson

Synonyms of hatred

• contempt
• hate
• distaste
• disdain
• loathing
• abhorrence
• detestation
• hostility
• spite
• abomination
• disgust

Examples of hatred in a Sentence

He had an irrational fear and hatred of foreigners.

She makes no attempt to conceal her hatred for her opponents.

This troubled city is filled with hatred, prejudice, crime, and fear.

The war was fueled by hatreds that were centuries old.

Recent Examples on the Web

Platforms for hatred These platforms don’t make hatred possible. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 8 Oct. 2026

Renée shared a hatred of Nazis and had a keen desire to defeat the Axis powers. — Gaby Iori october 7, Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 2026

With their feelings for each other blossoming, the two go out for dinner, which is full of Rushville patrons with lingering hatred for Hal. — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 5 Oct. 2026

Yasmin Soares, a Lula supporter, told Kahn that Bolsonaro's strong performance is scary and that the right brings hatred. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 5 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English hatrede, from hate hate entry 1 + -rede, suffix denoting state or quality, going back to Old English -rǣden — more at kindred entry 2

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing hatred

• self-hatred

Kids Definition

hatred

noun

ha·​tred ˈhā-trəd 

: hate entry 1 sense 1