plural hates
: a very strong feeling of dislike
You could see the hate [=hatred] in his eyes.
These crimes are motivated by prejudice and hate.
They have been unable to overcome their hates and fears.
—sometimes used before another nounThe organization gets a lot of hate mail [=extremely angry letters, e-mail, etc.] from people who disagree with their policies.
a hate crime [=a crime done against someone because of the person's race, religion, etc.]
Hate speech [=speech expressing hatred of a particular group of people] is not allowed at school.
hates; hated; hating
1
: to dislike (someone) very strongly : to feel hate for (someone)
He was a cruel tyrant who was hated and feared by his people.
She hated them for betraying her.
They were political rivals who truly/bitterly hated each other.
What is it that you hate about him most?
a hated enemy
children whose families have taught them to hate
2
: to dislike (something) very strongly : to find (something) very unpleasant
She hates [=really dislikes] cold weather.
I hate spinach.
I hate doing this.
I hate having to do this. = I hate it when I have to do this.
They hate being apart from each other.
I hate the idea of leaving my mother alone all week.
She hates cooking.
—often followed by to + verbThey hate to be apart from each other.
She hates to cook.
3
—used to apologize for doing something or to express regret or guilt
I hate bothering you [=I'm sorry to bother you], but would you mind moving your car?
I'd hate it if they got the wrong idea. [=I would feel regret if they misunderstood]
—often followed by to + verbI hate to bother you [=I'm sorry to bother you], but would you mind moving your car?
I hate to say it, but I don't think he has much chance of winning.
I'd hate (for) them to get the wrong idea.
Cite this Entry
“Hate.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/hate. Accessed 13 Nov. 2026.
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