prejudice

 
Pronunciation: /ˈprɛdʒʊdɪs/

noun

[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

verb

[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

Origin:

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

Spelling help

Remember that prejudice begins with prej-.