I. ˈprejədə̇s noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Old French, from Latin praejudicium previous judgment, precedent, detriment, from prae- pre- + judicium judgment, from judic-, judex judge — more at judge
1.
a. : injury or damage due to some judgment or action of another (as in disregard of a person's right) : resulting detriment — now used chiefly in phrases
in the prejudice of
to the prejudice of his own interests
— compare without prejudice , with prejudice
b. obsolete : injury in general : detriment , hurt
2.
a.
(1) : preconceived judgment or opinion : leaning toward one side of a question from other considerations than those belonging to it : unreasonable predilection for or objection against something
(2) : an opinion or leaning adverse to anything without just grounds or before sufficient knowledge
b. : an instance of such judgment or opinion : an unreasonable predilection, inclination, or objection
c. : an irrational attitude of hostility directed against an individual, a group, a race, or their supposed characteristics — compare discrimination
3. obsolete
a. : an opinion or judgment formed beforehand or without due examination : prejudgment
b. : prognostication
c. : expectation , anticipation
Synonyms: see predilection
II. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English prejudisen, from Middle French prejudicier, from Old French prejudice prejudice
1. : to injure or damage by some judgment or action usually at law ; broadly : to cause injury to : hurt , damage , impair
prejudice a good cause
2. : to cause to have prejudice : prepossess with opinions formed without due knowledge or examination : bias the mind of : give an unreasonable bent to
prejudice a critic
— not often used of favorable prejudice
if anything could prejudice me in her favor
3. obsolete : to judge beforehand usually unfavorably : prejudge