prejudiced
Americanadjective
Etymology
Origin of prejudiced
First recorded in 1570–90; prejudice ( def. ) + -ed 2 ( def. )
Explanation
If you've decided that you don't like or trust someone before you've actually met them, you're prejudiced. It's unfortunately common to have prejudiced views of people who are different from you. It's prejudiced to have negative opinions about people because of their gender, religion, skin color, or the language they speak. It's equally prejudiced to say things like "She can't be very smart — her family is poor" or "They are so old, there's no way they'll think this movie is funny." Each of these statements reveals an unfair, preconceived idea of what someone is like based on one personal characteristic.
Vocabulary lists containing prejudiced
You Be the Judge: Jud, Jur, Jus
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The Catcher in the Rye
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Slam!
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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.
On Tuesday, Tate's lawyers applied for a stay of 12 months on the civil case, arguing they were awaiting materials from the police and that any potential future criminal proceedings could be prejudiced.
From BBC • May 6, 2026
Helder Barbalho, the governor of the state of Para, where Belem is located, slammed "the prejudiced" comments on the X social network.
From Barron's • Nov. 18, 2025
Alex’s team filed the long-anticipated appeal of his convictions, arguing there were errors during his trial that prejudiced the jury in his case.
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 15, 2025
“We’re all prejudiced against one thing or another,” Deen continues.
From Salon • Sep. 18, 2025
We will be accused of being prejudiced, and the whole thing will flop.
From "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole
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.
