/ ˈpredʒudɪs; NAmE / noun , verb
■ noun
[ U , C ] prejudice (against sb/sth) an unreasonable dislike of or preference for a person, group, custom, etc., especially when it is based on their race, religion, sex, etc. :
a victim of racial prejudice
Their decision was based on ignorance and prejudice.
There is little prejudice against workers from other EU states.
I must admit to a prejudice in favour of British universities.
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IDIOMS
- without prejudice (to sth)
■ verb [ vn ]
1.
prejudice sb (against sb/sth) to influence sb so that they have an unfair or unreasonable opinion about sb/sth
SYN bias :
The prosecution lawyers have been trying to prejudice the jury against her.
2.
( formal ) to have a harmful effect on sth :
Any delay will prejudice the child's welfare.
➡ note at damage
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WORD ORIGIN
Middle English (originally as a legal term): from Old French , from Latin praejudicium , from prae in advance + judicium judgement.