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

The coalition reunited after its most recent split just days ago, following a row over hate speech laws for which Ley had pushed after the Bondi Beach attack in December, but which her Nationals colleagues refused to support.

From BBC

Rather it argues her “statements are opinions expressed in an ongoing philosophical and scientific debate, and don't amount to hate speech, incitement to discrimination, or violence.”

From The Wall Street Journal

The trio said they opposed the hate speech laws because they were concerned its scope may be too broad.

From Barron's

This time the divisions were sown by hate speech reforms introduced by the centre-left Labor government after the Bondi Beach attack.

From BBC

Laurent Buanec, France director of X, pushed back against the investigation in January 2025, saying X had "strict, clear and public rules", which protected the platform from hate speech and disinformation.

From Barron's