intolerant

Intolerant is an adjective describing a person or position characterized by an unwillingness to accept or permit differing opinions, beliefs, or practices. Intolerance involves a refusal to engage with alternatives and a tendency to exclude, marginalize, or punish those who are different.

Intolerance can occur in religious, ethnic, political, cultural, or ideological contexts. It is often linked with prejudice, bigotry, dogmatism, or xenophobia, and may manifest as discrimination, censorship, or coercive action. Historically, rulers and institutions have justified suppression of dissent in the name of orthodoxy; in modern societies, debates about limits on speech or religion echo these concerns, though many frameworks seek to protect liberty while preventing harm.

Causes of intolerance include fear of uncertainty, perceived threats to group identity, and social or political incentives that reward conformity. Education, exposure to diversity, and institutions that promote pluralism can reduce intolerant attitudes, but polarization and in-group biases can reinforce them.

In public discourse, tolerance is often presented as a civic value that allows coexistence while setting boundaries to prevent harm. Legal and ethical standards may defend freedom of belief and expression, yet also restrict incitement, hate speech, or violence. The label intolerant is frequently contested and can reflect power dynamics or disagreements over what constitutes harm or respect.

See also: Tolerance, Bigotry, Xenophobia, Freedom of religion.