hateful

Hateful is an adjective that describes intense dislike, hostility, or contempt. It can refer to feelings, expressions, or actions that express or incite strong aversion toward a person or group or toward a trait.

In everyday usage, it commonly describes remarks or conduct that targets others with a demeaning or dehumanizing tone. It is frequently used in discussions of hate speech, harassment, or discrimination. The word is formed from the verb hate and the suffix -ful.

Context and nuance: The term's meaning can vary with context and jurisdiction. Some consider acts or statements hateful if they target protected characteristics with hostility or dehumanization. Legal and platform definitions of hate speech differ, but many frameworks focus on insults or incitement directed at race, religion, ethnicity, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or other protected traits. In other contexts, the term can describe actions motivated by or expressing bigotry, prejudice, or hostility.

See also: hate speech, discrimination, harassment.