hate crime

American  

noun

1. a crime, usually violent, motivated by prejudice or intolerance toward an individual’s national origin, ethnicity, skin color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or disability.

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hate crime British  

noun

1. a crime, esp of violence, in which the victim is targeted because of his or her race, religion, sexuality, etc

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Example Sentences

Dabinderjit Singh claimed the Sikh community had seen a "huge increase in hate crime" since the trial.

From BBC • May 31, 2026

Wahl said the motive for the attack is currently unknown, but was presumed to be a hate crime because of the the mosque, which is the largest in San Diego County.

From BBC • May 19, 2026

"We are actively investigating this as a hate crime," San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl told reporters.

From Barron's • May 18, 2026

In 2019, he took heat from other Jersey political leaders for quickly condemning a deadly local shooting at a kosher grocery store as a hate crime.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026

I can see Patrice is as relieved as I am to hear Ms. Simon speak so forcefully and call it a hate crime.

From "Finding Junie Kim" by Ellen Oh