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

Even here in Maryland, antisemitic vandalism at the Shaare Tefila Congregation is a reminder that this hatred persists close to home. —Bobby Zirkin, Baltimore Sun, 19 Feb. 2026

The world has devolved into the worst-case scenario of oppression, bigotry and hatred. —Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Feb. 2026

What began as skepticism towards AI has curdled into a palpable AI hatred across the American workforce. —Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 17 Feb. 2026

Given their hatred of Indigenous people, Casey and Frank set out to bring them back, a vengeance mission with echoes of The Searchers. —Damon Wise, Deadline, 17 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