What does antihuman mean?
"Antihuman" is an adjective describing something opposed to, hostile toward, or destructive of human beings, their dignity, or their fundamental interests. It is stronger than merely cruel: where an inhumane act lacks compassion, an antihuman force or idea is understood as working against humanity as such. The word appears most often in moral, political, and philosophical criticism — applied to oppressive regimes, dehumanizing technologies, or ideologies that treat people as expendable. It derives from the Greek-derived prefix "anti-" (against) joined to "human," from Latin humanus. Though relatively uncommon compared with near-neighbors like "inhuman" and "inhumane," it fills a distinct role in the vocabulary of ethical condemnation, naming not just a failure of kindness but an active antagonism toward human life and values. Writers sometimes render it hyphenated as "anti-human."
adjectiveOpposed to or destructive of human life, welfare, or dignity; directed against the interests or existence of humanity.
- Opposed to, hostile toward, or destructive of human beings, human dignity, or human interests.
"The report condemned the regime's antihuman policies toward its own citizens."
"Critics described the weapons program as fundamentally antihuman in its aims."
"The philosopher argued that reducing people to mere data points is an antihuman way of thinking."
While "inhuman" means lacking humanity, "antihuman" goes further — it names things actively at war with humankind itself.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of antihuman
"Antihuman" combines the prefix "anti-", meaning "against" (from Greek anti), with "human", which entered English from Old French and ultimately from Latin humanus, meaning "of or belonging to man." The compound formed within English, likely by analogy with other anti- coinages, to express active opposition to humankind rather than mere absence of human feeling. It shares its root with words such as humanity, humane, and humanitarian.
Related word forms
How antihuman is actually used
Relatively rare and often used in moral, political, or philosophical criticism to condemn systems, ideologies, or technologies seen as hostile to human welfare. Carries a strongly negative connotation. Sometimes hyphenated as "anti-human" in formal writing.
Easily confused with antihuman
"Inhuman" describes a lack of human qualities such as compassion, while "antihuman" implies active opposition to human beings or their interests.
"Inhumane" refers to cruelty or lack of mercy in treatment, whereas "antihuman" denotes hostility toward humanity itself.