prejudice

Definition of prejudice

[mass noun]

1preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience:English prejudice against foreigners [count noun]:deep-rooted class prejudices
dislike, hostility, or unjust behaviour deriving from preconceived and unfounded opinions:accusations of racial prejudice

2chiefly Law harm or injury that results or may result from some action or judgement:prejudice resulting from delay in the institution of the proceedings

[with object]

1give rise to prejudice in (someone); make biased:the statement might prejudice the jury

2chiefly Law cause harm to (a state of affairs):delay is likely to prejudice the child’s welfare

Phrases

with prejudice: Law extinguishing any right to pursue a claim in another suit: the suit was dismissed with prejudice
without prejudice: Law without detriment to any existing right or claim:the payment was made without any prejudice to her rights

Middle English (in prejudice (sense 2 of the noun)): from Old French, from Latin praejudicium, from prae 'in advance' + judicium 'judgement'

Remember that prejudice begins with prej-.

Definition of prejudice in the US English dictionary