race-baiting

[ reys-beyting ]

noun

1. acts of racist provocation, especially in speech and writing, including racial dog whistles, hate speech, threats, and other forms of harassment targeting one or more racial groups or members of such a group, often in the context of political or cultural polemics.
2. any rhetoric or act that pits one racial group against another or incites racial hatred.

Other Words From

• race-bait·er noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of race-baiting¹

First recorded in 1940–45; race ²( def ) + -baiting ( def )

Example Sentences

Limbaugh makes comments like this because his right-wing fans require a non–stop diet of race-baiting red meat.

From The Daily Beast

Likewise, on the internet, conservative pundits proclaimed Ryan a victim of liberal race baiting.

From The Daily Beast

He narrowly won his first race, for a seat on the New York City Council, after anonymously sending voters race-baiting fliers.

From The Daily Beast

Ah, nothing like a little race-baiting from Matt Drudge to get the blood boiling.

From The Daily Beast

Douglas' race-baiting becomes wilder, uglier, and more incoherent.

From The Daily Beast