hatred

hatred — noun

1. a deep, powerful feeling of extreme dislike for someone or something, often last

1.nounB2
Definition

a deep, powerful feeling of extreme dislike for someone or something, often lasting a long time and connected to a wish to see them harmed or defeated

Example

Ayana felt nothing but hatred for the company that had fired her without warning.

hatred + for + noun — states the target of the feeling

The two families' hatred for each other had lasted for generations, causing endless suffering.

uncountable noun — no article, no plural form

Common collocations
  • deep hatred
  • pure hatred
  • mutual hatred
  • racial hatred
  • to feel hatred towards
  • to be filled with hatred
  • hatred for
  • hatred of
Synonyms
  • hate

    same core meaning, but 'hate' is more common as a verb and can be used for milder dislikes; 'hatred' always implies intensity

  • loathing

    even stronger than hatred, with a stronger sense of disgust and physical repulsion

  • animosity

    focuses more on active ill will and opposition than on the feeling itself; often mutual

  • hostility

    describes unfriendly or aggressive behaviour or attitudes rather than just a private emotion

Antonyms
  • love

    the direct opposite — strong fondness and care for someone or something

  • affection

    a warm, gentle feeling of liking, much less intense than love

Grammar Patterns

hatred + of + noun phrase

hatred + for + noun phrase

filled with / full of hatred

Usage Note

Unlike the verb 'hate', which can be used casually for mild preferences ('I hate getting up early'), 'hatred' always describes a deep, serious emotional state. Avoid using 'hatred' for everyday annoyances or trivial dislikes.

Common Mistakes

I have a hatred for cold weather.
I really hate cold weather.
'Hatred' is far too strong for ordinary dislikes; use the verb 'hate' or phrases like 'can't stand' instead.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All four words describe strong negative feelings, but they differ in intensity and focus. 'Hatred' and 'hate' are the most general — 'hatred' is a lasting, intense feeling of extreme dislike, while 'hate' as a noun is slightly weaker and more common in everyday speech ('I have a hate for unfairness'). 'Loathing' is the strongest of the group, combining hatred with physical disgust ('She looked at the rotten food with loathing'). 'Animosity' suggests active, often mutual ill will expressed in behaviour rather than just a private feeling ('The animosity between the two players was obvious on the court'). 'Hostility' leans toward angry or unfriendly actions and attitudes rather than internal emotion ('His hostility towards new ideas made team meetings difficult'). Use 'hatred' when you want to stress the depth and seriousness of the emotion itself.

hate ↗loathinganimosityhostility ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • feel hatred
  • be filled with hatred
  • burn with hatred

Prepositions

Etymology

Old EnglishMiddle EnglishEnglish

Hatred comes from Middle English, combining 'hat' (an old form of 'hate') with the suffix '-red', which means 'condition' or 'state'. The '-red' suffix also appears in 'kindred' (family relationship). So 'hatred' literally means 'the state of being full of hate'. The word has been used in English since the 1200s.