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

Questionnaires may have been edited for spelling, grammar, length and, in some instances, to remove hate speech and offensive language. —Sierra Van Der Brug, Daily News, 7 May 2026

Last year, ahead of the season three premiere in July, the streamer shared some community guidelines, cautioning viewers against bullying and hate speech. —Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 5 May 2026

Questionnaires may have been edited for spelling, grammar, length and, in some instances, to remove hate speech and offensive language. —Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 4 May 2026

Countries that tolerate hate speech, whether from presidents or platforms, are more likely to experience hate crimes. —Diane Brady, Fortune, 27 Apr. 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)