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

Students must also learn honest history, including the consequences of war, the dangers of propaganda and dehumanization and the courage of those who chose compassion over hatred. — Joanie Schirm, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Nov. 2026

Stefan Ruzowitzky has crafted a compelling thriller that reminds us how quickly hatred can take hold, and how the choices of individuals can make a difference. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 4 Nov. 2026

You are not educated to understand what your endorsement means to so many life long fans and good people that are fighting antisemitism and hatred for thousands of years. — Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 3 Nov. 2026

The exchange is one of many contentious clashes between those who oppose data centers in their communities, which have earned bipartisan hatred, and those advocating for them. — Maggie Harrison Dupré, Futurism, 29 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