misogyny

noun

mi·​sog·​y·​ny mə-ˈsä-jə-nē How to pronounce misogyny (audio)
: hatred of, aversion to, or prejudice against women
a culture that promotes violence and misogyny
… battled the personal demons of alcoholism, racism, and misogyny.James Kaplan
Her books are pervaded by a deep pessimism and an equally profound misogyny.Janet Malcolm
… a mission to expose the common cord that nourishes capitalism, misogyny, classism, and fat hatred …Anastasia Higginbotham
also : something (such as speech or behavior) that reflects and fosters misogyny
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

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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 And at the center of it all was one video game narrative development company: Sweet Baby Inc. This growing group of people want to believe themselves a new incarnation of Gamergate, a harassment campaign started in 2014 that targeted women speaking out against misogyny in the video games industry. Ash Parrish, The Verge, 18 Mar. 2024 Theorists have long explored how that dichotomy is steeped in misogyny. Julia Khrebtan-Hörhager, The Conversation, 7 Mar. 2024 And claiming misogyny also erases Justine Triet’s accomplishment; the Anatomy of a Fall director is the only female nominee in the category. Rebecca Sun, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Jan. 2024 Both are superb looks at the justice system, as well as issues of jurisprudence, witness credibility, and how misogyny and bias can shape the outcome of a case. Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 9 Mar. 2024 But Gosselin’s in particular, which leave only the dolls’ heads and feet free, look like attempts to metabolize the violence and misogyny of popular culture, or simply to render pointy plastic doodads tender and warm. Will Heinrich, New York Times, 29 Feb. 2024 This journey began in a workplace era infamous for misogyny, and one whereby data from HBR reveals not a single management occupation was majority women. Gemma Allen, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2024 Portnoy has long been a controversial figure, repeatedly criticized for allegedly fostering a culture of misogyny at his company. Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 16 Feb. 2024 Music Timbaland apologizes to Britney Spears for ‘muzzle’ remark after misogyny accusations Nov. 8, 2023 Spears, also 42, seems to be sorry for some of what led up to that drama, saying as much Sunday . Nardine Saad, Los Angeles Times, 29 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'misogyny.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

circa 1656, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of misogyny was circa 1656

Dictionary Entries Near misogyny

Cite this Entry

“Misogyny.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/misogyny. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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