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

• abhorrence
• abomination
• detestation
• execration
• hate
• loathing

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

The project educates students about the dangers of hatred and bigotry and the importance of standing against all forms of prejudice. —Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 15 May 2025

Meanwhile, Republicans such as our current president spew contempt like volcanoes of hatred, prejudice and madness. —Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2025

His sweeping tariffs are designed to enrich the ruling elite and military-industrial complex while whipping up hatred against Chinese workers, who are not our enemies but our class brothers and sisters. —Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 May 2025

For decades, Russians have regarded their superpower rival with a mixture of admiration and hatred, condescension and envy. —Andrei Kolesnikov, Foreign Affairs, 9 May 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