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

With stark imagery and clear-eyed anger, Lorde recounts a violent racist encounter on the street, exposing the enduring psychological wounds of racial oppression and misogyny. —JSTOR Daily, 11 June 2026

The detective has no illusions about the rot, misogyny and rancid behavior simmering within the police force. —Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 9 June 2026

Much contemporary anti-glamour sentiment betrays a strain of misogyny, even when wielded by women of good intent. —Eileen G'sell, The Conversation, 8 June 2026

The different, but at times overlapping, vulnerabilities of these groups are created by choices made in our political and criminal justice processes, and by cultural attitudes and prejudices more generally, such as homophobia and misogyny. —Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 June 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