prejudice

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   An adverse judgment or opinion formed beforehand or without knowledge of the facts.

   Many of the inhabitants of our Eastern States refuse to eat Squirrels of any kind, from some prejudice or other; but we can assure our readers that the flesh of this species, and many others, is both tender and well-flavoured, and when nicely broiled, does not require a hunter’s appetite to recommend it.

2. 2
   noun

   A preconception, any preconceived opinion or feeling, whether positive or negative.

   Morality is but a prejudice.

3. 3
   noun

   An irrational hostile attitude, fear or hatred towards a particular group, race or religion.

   I am free of all prejudices. I hate everyone equally.

4. 4
   noun

   Knowledge formed in advance; foresight, presaging.

   […] the first did in the forepart sit, / That nought mote hinder his quicke preiudize: / He had a sharpe foresight, and working wit […]

5. 5
   noun

   Mischief; hurt; damage; injury; detriment.

   England and France might, through their amity, / Breed him some prejudice.

6. 6
   adj

   Pronunciation spelling of prejudiced, representing African-American Vernacular English.

   I’m not what you call an “A” student but I don’t mind school at lease it takes me away from home but the teachers are too prejudice they are mostly Whites and I never got a fair mark out of them.

7. 7
   noun

   a partiality that prevents objective consideration of an issue or situation

8. 8
   verb

   influence (somebody's) opinion in advance

Etymology

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