To hate means to feel very strong dislike or anger toward someone or something. As a noun, hate is this powerful feeling itself.
From Old English “hatan,” meaning to hate, related to old Germanic words with the same meaning. It has always carried a strong emotional weight.
“Hate” is such a heavy word that in polite conversation people often soften it to “really don’t like.” Yet on the internet, people toss it around casually, which can blur how intense it actually is.
While 'hate' itself is neutral, 'hate speech' and 'hate crimes' often intersect with misogyny, homophobia, and transphobia, disproportionately affecting women and gender minorities. Online 'hate' has also been documented as heavily targeting women in public life.
Use 'hate' carefully in public or moderated contexts, distinguishing between strong dislike and hate targeting protected characteristics. Avoid trivializing the term in ways that obscure its use in gendered or other identity-based violence.
["strongly dislike","detest","cannot stand"]
When discussing hate-based abuse, include the experiences and advocacy of women and gender minorities who have pushed for recognition of online and offline hate as serious harms.
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