hate crime

noun

Synonyms of hate crimenext
: any of various crimes (such as assault or defacement of property) when motivated by hostility to the victim as a member of a group (such as one based on race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability)

Examples of hate crime in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Jews are the target of a large proportion of hate crimes in New York City. Joseph Strauss, Sun Sentinel, 9 Feb. 2026 New York City hate crimes skyrocketed 152% in January, fueled by a staggering 182% surge in antisemitic incidents. Staff, FOXNews.com, 5 Feb. 2026 The new indictment includes nine charges, including hate crimes, filed earlier. Jasper Ward, USA Today, 5 Feb. 2026 There were 31 antisemitic hate crimes reported in January 2026 compared to 11 in January 2025, a 182% increase. Lisa Rozner, CBS News, 5 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hate crime

Word History

First Known Use

1960, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hate crime was in 1960

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Cite this Entry

“Hate crime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hate%20crime. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

hate crime

noun
plural hate crimes
: any of various crimes (as assault) when motivated by hostility to the victim based on social characteristics (as color, creed, gender, sexual orientation, or national origin)

Legal Definition

hate crime

noun
: a crime that violates the victim's civil rights and that is motivated by hostility to the victim's race, religion, creed, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender

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