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

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

He has been convicted of hate speech multiple times and has been denied entry to the UK twice in the past year.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 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

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

From Barron's • Feb. 8, 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