hate speech

noun

: speech that is intended to insult, offend, or intimidate a person because of some trait (such as race, color, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability)

Examples of hate speech in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Fights broke out when some students protested Yiannopoulos’ appearances and accused him of hate speech, while others celebrated him as a champion of free speech. — Safiyah Riddle, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026 Kenneth Stern, who drafted the IHRA definition of antisemitism, has opposed codifying the definition in hate speech laws. — Jack Harvel august 26, Kansas City Star, 26 Aug. 2026 Meanwhile, Dearborn residents Mohammed Hijazi and Stephanie Butler called for unity and condemned any hate speech. — Dejanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026 New South Wales separately passed tighter state firearms laws in December, while the federal government also strengthened laws targeting hate speech and extremism. — Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hate speech

Word History

First Known Use

1968, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hate speech was in 1968

Rhymes for hate speech

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Browse Nearby Words

hate someone's guts
hate speech
hate-watch
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hate speech.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hate%20speech. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Legal Definition

hate speech

noun
: speech that is intended to insult, offend, or intimidate a person because of some trait (as race, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, or disability)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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