misogyny

noun

mi·​sog·​y·​ny mə-ˈsä-jə-nē 

: hatred of, aversion to, or prejudice against women

a culture that promotes violence and misogyny

… women also knew a thing or two about misogyny in early Europe, where they were persecuted and tried as witches and generally thought more susceptible to deviltry …

—Margaret Talbot

also : something (such as speech or behavior) that reflects and fosters misogyny

misogyny in popular music genres

Cosloy's suggestion for a solution to misogyny in song—women should make their own records!—is scurrilous as long as men are not ready to pass the mike.

—Evelyn McDonnell

Dr [Una] McIlvenna says misogyny has always been rife. "There's always been misogyny in news reporting, both victim-blaming and in the coverage of women who commit crimes."

—Lisa Needham

Did you know?

The (Etymological) Roots of Misogyny

Misogyny may be distinguished from the closely related word sexism, which signifies discrimination based on sex (although it most frequently refers to discrimination against women) and also carries the meaning “behavior, conditions, or attitudes that foster stereotypes of social roles based on sex.”

Misogyny refers specifically to a hatred of women. The word is formed from the Greek roots misein (“to hate”) and gynē (“woman”). Each of these roots can be found in other English words, both common and obscure. Gynē helped to form gynecologist and androgynous, and misein can be found in such words as misoneism (“a hatred, fear, or intolerance of innovation or change”) and misandry (“a hatred of men”).

Examples of misogyny in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Wilder took a more pointed stance, accusing fans of misogyny. — Bobby Burack Outkick, FOXNews.com, 9 Sep. 2026

Yet entrenched misogyny and debates over gender equality within the religion have persisted, particularly over women’s access to temples andcertain rituals. — Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2026

Élodie is a brilliant perfumer who must fight the misogyny that rules her industry and take ownership of her creative work to become successful in her own right. — Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2026

Foy’s journalist represents all the women in media who had to cope with the misogyny of the period. — Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Greek misogynia, from misein to hate + gynē woman — more at queen

First Known Use

circa 1656, in the meaning defined above