hate

Hate is a strong negative emotion or attitude toward a person or group, often directed at groups defined by race, ethnicity, religion, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or other characteristics. In usage, hate refers both to intense personal animosity and to broader hostile ideologies. The term is used in psychology, sociology, and law to describe processes that promote exclusion or devaluation.

Hate can be rooted in prejudice, stereotypes, dehumanization, threat perception, or social learning. It can exist at individual, interpersonal, and societal levels. Hatred may motivate discriminatory behavior, harassment, or violence, and can be reinforced by political or media narratives.

Expressions of hate include hate speech—deliberately insulting, demeaning, or vilifying individuals or groups on the basis of protected characteristics. In many jurisdictions hate speech is regulated more than general speech, though legal standards vary. Hate crimes are criminal acts where the perpetrator is motivated by bias against a protected characteristic.

Responses to hate include education aimed at reducing prejudice, dialogue and reconciliation programs, anti-discrimination laws, and mechanisms for reporting and prosecuting hate crimes. Counter-speech and inclusive norms can mitigate hateful attitudes, while social and economic inequalities can exacerbate them.

In research, hate is studied as an emotion, attitude, or ideology. Measurement tools assess levels of prejudice, bias, or hostility, while historical analysis traces the roots and consequences of hate movements and ideologies.