What does "prejudice" mean?

1. (unfair dislike) an unfair feeling of dislike for a person or group because of their race, sex, or religion. 2. (preconceived opinion) an opinion you form about something before you have enough information. 3. (to influence unfairly) to make someone form an unfair opinion about something. 4. (to harm or damage) to do something that has a bad effect on a situation or a person's chances.

How do you use "prejudice"?

The verb is transitive and always takes a direct object, often a person or a group's mind. Commonly used in the phrase 'without prejudice', meaning without affecting existing rights.

prejudice

n. · v.

US //ˈpɹɛdʒədɪs// UK //pɹˈɛdʒuːdɪs// prej·u·dice

1 unfair dislike (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

an unfair feeling of dislike for a person or group because of their race, sex, or religion.

an irrational hostile attitude or preconceived negative judgment directed toward a particular group, race, or religion.

Example

The company was accused of prejudice against older workers during the hiring process.

Example

Deep-seated racial prejudice within the local administration prevented the community from accessing the resources they had been promised.
2 preconceived opinion (n.)
C1 Advanced Academic

an opinion you form about something before you have enough information.

a preconceived opinion or feeling, whether positive or negative, formed without prior knowledge or experience.

Example

I had a prejudice against the city before I visited, but I actually loved it.

Example

The researcher struggled to set aside her personal prejudices to ensure the study remained objective and data-driven.
- preconception
- bias
- objectivity

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3 to influence unfairly (v.)
C1 Advanced Formal Law

to make someone form an unfair opinion about something.

to influence someone's opinion so that they may be less able to judge fairly.

Example

The news reports might prejudice the jury before the trial even begins.

Example

The judge warned the media that excessive coverage could prejudice the outcome of the trial by influencing potential jurors.

Usage

The verb is transitive and always takes a direct object, often a person or a group's mind.
4 to harm or damage (v.)
C2 Proficiency Formal Technical Law

to do something that has a bad effect on a situation or a person's chances.

to cause damage or injury to a person's rights, interests, or legal standing.

Example

Missing the deadline could prejudice your chances of getting the loan.

Example

The witness's refusal to testify did not prejudice the defendant's right to a fair hearing under the current statutes.

Usage

Commonly used in the phrase 'without prejudice', meaning without affecting existing rights.
- benefit
- aid

Origin

From Middle English prejudice, from Old French prejudice, derived from Latin praeiūdicium (“previous judgment or damage”), from prae- (“before”) + iūdicium (“judgment”).