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.
Lawyers for a second fraternity member, Winston Lee, have argued that James’s comment has prejudiced any future grand jury proceedings.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 29, 2026
It’s possible more and more voters see through the prejudiced subterfuge, but it’s more likely that folks simply need a change.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 3, 2026
Abbott, who represents the Stoney Stanton and Croft division, said he was "not being prejudiced" or "tarring anyone" and was stating a concern "from his residents".
From BBC ● Jan. 9, 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
“I was used to thinking it was Agravaine’s mischief— Agravaine’s and yours. I thocht ye were over prejudiced against Sir Lancelot I am ashamed.”
From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White
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Get a wordDefinitions 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.
