What does hate mean?
Hate denotes an intense feeling of hostility, aversion, or dislike toward a person, thing, group, or action. Its intensity and social force make it more than a neutral alternative to “dislike”: using it can convey moral condemnation, anger, or opposition. As a verb, hate describes either experiencing this strong aversion or openly expressing it, as in statements that condemn discrimination, injustice, or cruelty. As a noun, hate can refer to an individual feeling or to a wider atmosphere of antagonism between communities or groups. The word is used in both formal and informal English, but its meaning is especially forceful in discussions of prejudice, persecution, and violence. In contemporary public discourse, “hate” is also commonly associated with attacks directed at people because of their identity, religion, or other characteristics. Though everyday usage distinguishes hate from milder dislike, the historical intensity of the term explains why it carries strong emotional and moral associations.
A feeling of intense hostility or dislike toward someone or something.
"Years of misunderstanding had created deep hatred between the two families."
The noun is commonly uncountable, although the rare plural “hates” can refer to people or things regarded with hatred.
To feel or express strong hostility or intense dislike toward someone or something.
"Many people hate being treated as though their opinions do not matter."
This verb may take a noun as an object, as in “I hate waste,” or an infinitival clause, as in “I hate to waste food.”
Usually uncountable when referring to the feeling itself; the plural is rare and can denote people or things regarded with hatred.
"The novel portrays the private hates and political conflicts of the period."
The word “hate” comes from Old English, but its modern power comes from how quickly an individual objection can become a condemnation of an entire group.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hate come from?
The modern English noun and verb descend from Old English forms meaning “hatred” and “to hate.” They belong to a Germanic word family reflected in modern German Hass and Dutch haat. During the Middle English period, the Old English forms developed into the spelling and broader range of meanings familiar today.
Related word forms
How hate is actually used
As a verb, hate is strong but less absolute than loathe in some contexts. It can take a direct object, as in “I hate injustice,” or appear with an infinitival clause, as in “They hate to lose.” As a noun, it is usually uncountable when referring to a general feeling and can be modified by words such as “deep” or “intense.”
Easily confused with hate
Hate is the broader, more commonly used word for intense dislike, while loathe often suggests a particularly strong aversion to something regarded as disgusting or morally objectionable.