misanthropy
Americannoun
Etymology
Origin of misanthropy
From the Greek word mīsanthrōpía, dating back to 1650–60. See misanthrope, -y 3
Explanation
Misanthropy is a mistrust of other people and a general hatred for mankind. So people with this character trait aren't much fun at parties. If you're full of misanthropy, then you don't care too much for other people — you're a misanthrope who basically hates everyone else in the world. Misanthropy isn't about disliking specific people, but disliking human beings in general. That makes misanthropy different from sexism or racism, which are prejudices aimed at specific types of people.
Vocabulary lists containing misanthropy
Power Prefix: mis-
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Florida's B.E.S.T. Roots: mis
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Like any religion, the New Misanthropy says there is something more to which we might aspire.
From Slate • Jan. 26, 2023
Yet, by accepting at face value the purported rationalism of the New Misanthropy, Kirsch fails to fully appreciate its essentially theological, even cultic character.
From Slate • Jan. 26, 2023
Here, the New Misanthropy draws a sharp contrast to the reigning pessimism.
From Slate • Jan. 26, 2023
Their views are reflective of what we might call the New Misanthropy that pervades corners of our cultural life in the 21st century.
From Slate • Jan. 26, 2023
Misanthropy in his head, not in his heart.
From The Stranger A Drama, in Five Acts by Kotzebue, August von
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
