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

Countries that tolerate hate speech, whether from presidents or platforms, are more likely to experience hate crimes. —Diane Brady, Fortune, 27 Apr. 2026

In the past two years, the US House of Representatives has condemned it, and the British government is examining its use, as part of a review of hate speech laws due to report in May. —Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 25 Apr. 2026

Congregation Beth Shalom Rabbi Robert Gamer said the vandalism was found on a pillar near the front door of the synagogue and included a swastika and other hate speech. —Paula Wethington, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026

During her first appearance, Jennifer joined her father on stage, where the two used antisemitic and racist hate speech. —Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 22 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1968, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for hate speech

• microfiche
• overreach
• taoiseach
• beach
• beech
• bleach
• breach
• breech
• each
• keech
• leach
• leech

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)