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

• 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

Rivalries that are long in tenure and thick with hatred define college sports in the Deep South, where football is second only to faith in some places. —Quentin Corpuel, Kansas City Star, 6 Sep. 2025

Examples abound of men with histories of misogyny – often expressed online – who go on to commit violent crimes in the name of their hatred. —Will Carless, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025

Connolly, who later deleted the post and was arrested, pleaded guilty to inciting racial hatred in court and was sentenced to 31 months in prison. —Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025

While the shooter's exact motive remains unknown, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Minnesota Joe Thompson said hatred aimed at everyone played a significant role. —Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 3 Sep. 2025

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