hate speech

noun

: speech expressing hatred of a particular group of people
Hate speech is not allowed at school.

Examples of hate speech in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Evidently, saying racist things is not hate speech, but calling someone out for saying racist things is. Louis Menand, New Yorker, 26 Sep. 2025 The comedian's suspension sparked a debate about the line between free speech and hate speech. Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025 Just look at Europe, where hate speech laws have been used to silence criticism of immigration policies and other issues. The Detroit News Editorial Board, Twin Cities, 24 Sep. 2025 Protections for hate and other speech To be sure, the First Amendment protects a wide variety of speech, even hate speech. Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 22 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hate speech

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Cite this Entry

“Hate speech.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hate%20speech. Accessed 4 Oct. 2025.

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)
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