WordGarden.iohatred
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /hˈeɪtrɪd/
US
- /ˈheɪtrəd/
Meanings
Noun
intense dislike or hostile feeling toward someone or something
Beyond the definition
Hatred is more than simple dislike. It is a very strong, deep negative feeling toward someone or something. It often grows from anger, hurt, fear, or resentment, and it can last for a long time. Think of the feud between the Montagues and Capulets in Romeo and Juliet—their actions are shaped by years of this feeling. Unlike ordinary dislike, it does not fade easily and can affect thoughts, choices, and behavior.
Hatred is a profoundly intense and enduring form of dislike. It's more than just not liking something; it's an emotion characterized by animosity, aversion, and often hostility. While anger can be fleeting, hatred tends to simmer beneath the surface, influencing thoughts and behaviors, and even shaping perspectives over long periods.
Historically, hatred has been a driving force behind conflict—from personal feuds to large-scale wars. It's often rooted in perceived threats, differences, or injustices. Hatred can be directed towards individuals, groups (based on race, religion, nationality, and other factors), ideas, or even abstract concepts.
The line between strong dislike and hatred can be blurry, but the key difference lies in the intensity and duration of the negative feeling, as well as the presence of a desire for harm or destruction. A character might dislike their rival's arrogance, but hate the system that allowed them to gain power unfairly.
Writers often explore hatred to reveal complex characters and societal issues. Shakespeare's Othello, for example, showcases how jealousy can breed a consuming hatred leading to tragedy. Understanding the roots of hatred—whether personal or systemic—is crucial for fostering empathy and building a more peaceful world. It's an emotion that demands careful consideration, as its consequences can be devastating.
Examples
- 1
Family conflict
There was a lot of hatred between the two families.
- 2
Personal choices
She refused to let hatred control her decisions.
- 3
Authority
His hatred of being told what to do often caused arguments.
- Patternhatred of + doing something
a very strong negative feeling about that experience
- 4
Hate speech
The speech was condemned for spreading racial hatred.
- Phrasespread racial hatred
encourage hate against a racial group
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Workplace relationship
Even after many years, he felt no hatred toward his former boss.
- Patternhatred toward + person
hatred directed at that person
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- hatrednoun
Forms
- hatredspluralnoun