What does hater mean?
The word hater names a person who expresses hatred, particularly a person whose attitude toward another person, group, or subject is persistently hostile. In everyday use, the word usually implies more than simple disagreement: it suggests disparaging criticism, personal animosity, or a tendency to attack rather than evaluate. The expression is informal and often derogatory, though its tone can range from seriously hostile to joking or dismissive, especially in online conversations and sports commentary. A hater may be described simply as someone who hates a person or thing, but the common modern usage highlights habitual negativity. The term is most useful when the speaker wants to label persistent antagonism, not merely record an unfavorable opinion. Because “hater” carries judgment and can trivialize genuine prejudice or serious conflict, precise alternatives such as critic, opponent, or detractor may be preferable in formal writing.
nounA hater is someone who expresses or professes hatred, especially a person who habitually disparages another person, group, or idea. The term is informal and often implies a hostile or persistently negative attitude.
- A person who expresses hatred or intense dislike, especially toward a person, group, or idea.
- A person who habitually attacks or disparages a person, group, or subject.
"After the speech, several online haters flooded the comments with insults."
"After the speech, several online haters flooded the comments with insults."
"The candidate dismissed the attack as the work of a hater who mistook rudeness for argument."
The standard plural of hater, used for multiple people who express or profess hatred or persistent hostility.
"The online forum became a battleground between the two groups of haters."
A hater does more than dislike a thing: they make hostility part of the conversation.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Words that share this root
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How hater is actually used
Informal, usually derogatory, and often used for someone viewed as persistently hostile or negative. In some contexts, especially online or in sports, it can be a familiar or playful label; it is not the neutral equivalent of critic.