hate speech

American  

[heyt speech] / ˈheɪt ˌspitʃ /

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.

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hate speech British  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of hate speech

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

Saturday's rival demonstrations follow a spate of violent attacks targeting London's Jewish community, with some blaming instances of hate speech at pro-Palestinian marches for helping to fuel antisemitism.

From Barron's • May 16, 2026

That includes for the first time making organisers legally responsible for ensuring invited speakers do not break hate speech laws.

From Barron's • May 16, 2026

Unlike the U.S., where free speech is protected by the First Amendment, Britain and most European countries have stricter laws against hate speech or calls for violence.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026

Jorginho went on to state that he does not "support or encourage hate speech or online attacks from any side".

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

“I’ll be pressuring them to have some kind of schoolwide discussion on diversity and the dangers of hate speech like this.”

From "Finding Junie Kim" by Ellen Oh