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

But last Sunday horror and hatred rained down onto a Bondi lawn, where 15 people were shot dead by two gunmen with six licensed firearms. —Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 20 Dec. 2025

Neytiri confronting her hatred, Jake choosing mercy over revenge, and Spider finding belonging in a world that never fully claimed him. —Okla Jones, Essence, 19 Dec. 2025

While the timing could be a distraction to Jewish celebrations, Rabbi Shemtov says this gives them an opportunity to show strength in the face of hatred. —Jack Springgate, CBS News, 19 Dec. 2025

Jewish leaders report record-high antisemitic cases, while Israeli officials and Australian politicians demand stronger action to confront escalating hatred and protect the community. —Staff, FOXNews.com, 18 Dec. 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