I. ˈpre-jə-dəs noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin praejudicium previous judgment, damage, from prae- + judicium judgment — more at judicial
Date: 13th century
1. : injury or damage resulting from some judgment or action of another in disregard of one's rights ; especially : detriment to one's legal rights or claims
2.
a.
(1) : preconceived judgment or opinion
(2) : an adverse opinion or leaning formed without just grounds or before sufficient knowledge
b. : an instance of such judgment or opinion
c. : an irrational attitude of hostility directed against an individual, a group, a race, or their supposed characteristics
Synonyms: see predilection
II. transitive verb
( -diced ; -dic·ing )
Date: 15th century
1. : to injure or damage by some judgment or action (as in a case of law)
2. : to cause to have prejudice