What does antifeminist mean?
An antifeminist is a person who opposes feminism — the movement advocating equal rights and opportunities for women — and the term also functions as an adjective describing attitudes, policies, or rhetoric hostile to feminist principles. The word combines the Greek-derived prefix 'anti-' (against) with 'feminist', itself rooted in the Latin 'femininus', meaning feminine. Antifeminism has appeared whenever feminist movements have gained ground, from opposition to suffrage campaigns in the nineteenth century to contemporary debates over workplace equality and reproductive rights. In modern usage the term frequently carries a pejorative charge, since opposing gender equality is widely viewed negatively, though some individuals adopt it as a deliberate self-description. Related terms include 'antifeminism' (the broader ideology) and, often confused with it, 'misogyny', which denotes hatred of women rather than opposition to feminism specifically. The word is standard in journalism, political commentary, and academic writing on gender.
A person who opposes feminism or is hostile to the principle of equality between the sexes.
"The pamphlet's author was a well-known antifeminist who campaigned against women's suffrage."
Characterized by opposition to feminism or to the advancement of women's rights.
"The film was criticized for its antifeminist portrayal of working women."
Standard English plural; used only for the noun sense referring to people.
"Early antifeminists argued that voting would disrupt the natural social order."
The word pairs a Greek prefix with a Latin root — 'anti' against 'femininus' — making it one of those terms whose very structure announces its stance.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of antifeminist
The word 'antifeminist' is formed from the prefix 'anti-', borrowed from Greek 'anti' meaning 'against', combined with 'feminist', which derives from the Latin 'femininus' ('feminine'), from 'femina' ('woman'). It emerged in the late nineteenth century alongside organized feminist movements, when opponents of women's suffrage and legal equality adopted or were assigned the label. Its cognates share the Latin root 'femina', including 'feminine', 'femininity', and 'effeminate'.
Related word forms
How antifeminist is actually used
Often carries a strongly negative connotation in contemporary usage, since it implies opposition to gender equality. Commonly used both as a label others apply and as a self-description. The adjective and noun uses are equally established.
Easily confused with antifeminist
A misogynist feels hatred or contempt for women generally, whereas an antifeminist specifically opposes feminism and its goals of gender equality.