misogyny
Americannoun
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hatred, dislike, or mistrust of women, manifested in various forms such as physical intimidation and abuse, sexual harassment and rape, social shunning and ostracism, etc.: Historically witch hunts were an embodiment of the misogyny of the time.
the underlying misogyny in slut-shaming;
Historically witch hunts were an embodiment of the misogyny of the time.
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ingrained and institutionalized prejudice against women; sexism.
noun
Commonly Confused
See misandry.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of misogyny
First recorded in 1650–60; New Latin misogynia, from Greek misogynía “hatred of women,” equivalent to miso- + gyn- + -ia noun suffix; see origin at miso-, gyn-, -y 3
Explanation
Misogyny is the hatred of women. Whenever someone thinks that all women share one trait — usually something negative — that’s misogyny. The noun misogyny, pronounced "miss-AH-jih-nee," comes from the Greek word misogynia, which means “woman-hater.” Misogyny is prejudice — like bigotry or racism — that’s directed toward women. Misogyny takes many forms, from hiring a less-qualified male job candidate instead of a woman to excluding women from joining a club, just because of their gender.
Vocabulary lists containing misogyny
Power Prefix: mis-
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The Freedom Writers Diary
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When Dimple Met Rishi
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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.
Another Instagram commenter wrote, “I’m really looking forward to the explanation for this one — the ‘Mayor of Flavortown’ having a blast with the ‘Mayor of Misogyny Town.’
From Salon • Apr. 14, 2026
She said: "Misogyny remains a serious problem and it's crucial that women and girls are protected from all forms of threatening and abusive behaviour in a way that safeguards their rights."
From BBC • May 2, 2025
Misogyny and homophobia aren’t exactly good for business anymore — and thank goodness.
From New York Times • Dec. 27, 2022
Misogyny played a major role in that rumor mill: Florence Harding was a well-educated and affluent woman whom even Harding referred to as "boss" because of her ambition and work ethic.
From Salon • Sep. 17, 2022
As in the case of "sad Electra's poet," his own favorite, it is easy to grow angry about his "Misogyny" and take Christian exception to his preference for mistresses over wives.
From Visions and Revisions A Book of Literary Devotions by Powys, John Cowper
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.
