What does misandry mean?
Misandry is prejudice, hatred, or hostility directed toward men because they are men. It may occur through individual insults and stereotypes, or through social practices and institutions that disadvantage, exclude, or demean men. The word is especially associated with discussions of feminism, gender relations, and political criticism, where it names a form of sexism directed at the male sex. Although it is the gendered counterpart of misogyny, it is less common in everyday language and can sometimes be used polemically in debates about alleged double standards or unequal treatment. In careful writing, misandry should refer specifically to hostility based on male sex rather than to every disagreement, hardship, or criticism directed toward men.
nounHatred, prejudice, or hostility directed toward men or the male sex. The term is most often used in discussions of gender relations, feminism, and discriminatory attitudes.
- Prejudice, hatred, or hostility directed toward men or the male sex.
"The speaker criticized the policy as an example of institutional misandry."
"The article examined how misandry can shape attitudes toward male victims of domestic violence."
"Critics argued that dismissing men's concerns amounted to institutional misandry."
The plural is grammatically possible but uncommon in normal usage.
"The forum discussed several forms of misandries experienced in the workplace."
Misandry names the gendered counterpart of misogyny: prejudice aimed specifically at men.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does misandry come from?
Misandry was formed in the 19th century from the Greek prefix mis-, meaning wrongly or excessively, and andria, meaning manhood or the state of being a man. The latter element belongs to the same Greek family as words such as android, androgynous, and masculine, all of which are associated with the Greek andr-, meaning man. The compound follows the established English pattern of misogyny, while retaining the earlier sense of andria as a condition or state rather than simply the modern word man.
Related word forms
How misandry is actually used
The term is primarily used in feminist, gender-studies, and political contexts. It can describe individual prejudice or broader social and institutional hostility toward men; its use is less common and more specialized than the more widely established term sexism.
Easily confused with misandry
Misogyny is prejudice or hostility directed toward women, whereas misandry is directed toward men.