# misogynist

/ˈmɪzədʒɪnɪst/ (US) · /mɪsˈɒdʒɪnˌɪst/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/misogynist
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. a person who hates women

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

a person who hates women or treats them as if they are less important than men.

For teachers: a person who harbours hatred, dislike, or strong prejudice against women.

- The politician was called a misogynist after he made several rude comments about women.
- The critic argued that the director was a blatant misogynist, pointing to the repetitive and demeaning ways women were portrayed in his films.

Usage: Often used as a strong label in social and political critiques.

Teaching tip: While 'sexist' is a more common everyday word, 'misogynist' is used in formal or academic contexts to describe a deeper, more systemic hatred or contempt.

### 2. hating women

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal

showing a hatred of women or a belief that they are not as good as men.

For teachers: exhibiting or relating to misogyny; characterized by prejudice against women.

- He was fired for making misogynist jokes in the office.
- The company faced a lawsuit after several employees reported a misogynist culture that prevented women from being promoted.

Usage: Can be used interchangeably with the longer form 'misogynistic' when modifying a noun.

## Examples

- He was accused of being a misogynist after his offensive comments.
- The film was criticized for being a misogynist piece of work that portrayed women as weak and untrustworthy.
- Sociologists often debate whether a misogynist is simply a person with outdated views or someone who actively seeks to undermine the social and political progress of women.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.