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

While more backdrop than engine, the tensions many Iranians feel between love for homeland and hatred for regime were evident just the same, via a host of characters in both shows. —Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 5 Mar. 2026

His hatred for Israel and our country was always a threat. —Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 5 Mar. 2026

Most Iranians regard these forces with fear and hatred. —George Packer, The Atlantic, 2 Mar. 2026

Following her father’s example, Stella learns to overcome her fear and show courage in the face of hatred and injustice. —Libby Monteith Minor, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 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