HATE CRIME Meaning and
Definition
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A hate crime is a criminal act committed against an individual or group that is motivated by prejudice, bias, or hatred based on certain characteristics such as race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability. This form of crime goes beyond the conventional act of violence or discrimination as it specifically targets individuals due to their membership in a particular social group.
The term hate crime encompasses a wide range of offenses, including but not limited to assault, verbal abuse, harassment, vandalism, and in extreme cases, murder. The distinguishing factor in hate crimes is the intent behind the criminal act, which is rooted in hatred or bias towards a particular social group. Such acts not only harm the direct victim but also aim to intimidate and create fear within the targeted community.
Hate crimes are often considered more severe than other criminal acts because they not only harm the victim personally but also have broader societal implications. Their impact reaches beyond the immediate victim, causing fear and distress among others who share similar characteristics or identities. Consequently, hate crimes are viewed as attacks on the values of equality, diversity, and social cohesion.
Legally, many countries have enacted hate crime statutes to specifically address and prosecute acts of violence or discrimination motivated by hate. The existence of such legislation signifies the recognition of the unique harm caused by hate crimes and the need for targeted measures to prevent them. By actively addressing hate crimes, societies strive to create an environment where all individuals feel safe and protected, irrespective of their background or identity.
Common Misspellings for HATE CRIME
- gate crime
- bate crime
- nate crime
- jate crime
- uate crime
- yate crime
- hzte crime
- hste crime
- hwte crime
- hqte crime
- hare crime
- hafe crime
- hage crime
- haye crime
- ha6e crime
- ha5e crime
- hatw crime
- hats crime
- hatd crime
- hatr crime
Etymology of HATE CRIME
The word "hate crime" is a compound noun formed by combining the words "hate" and "crime".
The term "hate" derives from the Old English word "hatian", which means "to hate" or "to have intense feelings of dislike or animosity towards someone or something". It has Germanic roots and can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "haitaną".
The word "crime" comes from the Latin word "crimen", meaning "accusation" or "charge". It entered Old French as "crime" and later evolved into its current form in Middle English.
The specific phrase, "hate crime", emerged in the United States during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, as a response to racially motivated violence and discrimination.
Similar spelling word for HATE CRIME
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