hate speech

[heyt speech]

noun

1. speech, writing, or nonverbal communication that attacks, threatens, or insults a person or group on the basis of national origin, ethnicity, skin color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or disability.

   The racist graffiti was condemned as hate speech.

hate speech

noun

1. speech disparaging a racial, sexual, or ethnic group or a member of such a group

Word History and Origins

Origin of hate speech¹

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

The warnings come after a message in July told fans to "keep the conversation kind this summer" and not to engage in "bullying and hate speech".

From BBC

"Whatever your view of the hate speech vs freedom of speech issues, an overbearing government minister doesn't help anyone," he said.

From BBC

Writing to the independent reviewer of terrorism legislation Jonathan Hall KC, Smart said individuals "employing violence, anti-semitic abuse or hate speech to protest should face serious consequences".

From BBC

“This has fueled misogyny, anti-LGBTI rhetoric, and hate speech.”

From Salon

His audience can’t be bullied off their support for him; his career and popularity remain in ascendance, despite being banned from multiple social media sites for violating hate speech policies.

From Salon