What does misogyny mean?
Misogyny means prejudice, hostility, or discrimination directed against women. The term can describe overt abuse, contempt, or demeaning stereotypes, but it is also used for less visible systems and practices that treat women as inferior or less entitled to opportunity, authority, and respect. In public discussion, misogyny is often identified in language, media, workplaces, political institutions, and online communities. It is related to sexism, but it is narrower in focus: sexism can describe discrimination based on sex generally, whereas misogyny specifically concerns prejudice against women. The word is also often used to describe a broader social or cultural pattern rather than a single incident, making it important to consider both individual conduct and the structures that permit or reward it. Misogyny has become especially prominent in discussions of online harassment and popular culture, where recurring attitudes and stereotypes can be identified and challenged.
nounMisogyny is prejudice, hostility, or discrimination directed against women, especially when expressed through systemic or institutional practices. It can refer to overt acts of abuse or contempt as well as stereotypes and attitudes that privilege men over women.
- Prejudice, hostility, or discrimination directed against women, especially as a social or institutional phenomenon.
"The documentary examines how misogyny is perpetuated through social media and popular culture."
"The campaign aims to challenge misogyny in professional sports."
"Her essay analyzes the misogyny embedded in the novel's treatment of female characters."
Misogyny can operate in ordinary language, workplaces, institutions, and online spaces—not only through explicit violence.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does misogyny come from?
Misogyny entered English in the 19th century from Greek misogynia, a word built from miso- meaning hatred and gynē meaning woman. The same Greek roots appear in related English words such as gynecology and androgyny, while the derivative forms misogynist and misogynistic express an agent or quality associated with misogyny.
Related word forms
How misogyny is actually used
Misogyny is used in both formal analysis and everyday criticism. It can describe individual attitudes or patterns of discrimination that are widespread within social, cultural, or institutional settings.
Easily confused with misogyny
Sexism is discrimination or prejudice based on sex, whereas misogyny specifically refers to hostility or prejudice directed against women.
Misandry is prejudice or hostility directed against men, while misogyny refers to prejudice against women.