irrational hostility
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: * Extreme prejudice: An intense, unreasonable, and often unfounded dislike or antagonism directed towards a person, group, or concept. This hostility is not based on logic or factual evidence.
Usage
The term "irrational hostility" is used to describe a strong negative emotional reaction that is disproportionate to its cause or exists without a rational basis. It emphasizes the illogical nature of the animosity. * It functions as a subject or object in a sentence. * It is often discussed in contexts of psychology, sociology, and interpersonal conflict.
Examples
- The debate was derailed by the speaker's irrational hostility toward the proposed policy, which he opposed based on emotion rather than data.
- Her irrational hostility towards people from that region made collaboration impossible.
- The online forum was filled with irrational hostility, making constructive discussion pointless.
Advanced Usage
- Psychological/Sociological Analysis: The phrase is used clinically or academically to label and analyze prejudiced behavior, such as in racism, xenophobia, or other deep-seated biases.
- The study aimed to understand the roots of the irrational hostility exhibited by the group.
- Characterizing Discourse: It is used to critique arguments or rhetoric that are driven primarily by anger or fear instead of reason.
- His critique was dismissed as mere irrational hostility lacking any substantive argument.
Variants and Related Words
- Irrational (Adjective): Not logical or reasonable.
- His fear of the technology was completely irrational.
- Hostility (Noun): Unfriendly or antagonistic behavior.
- There was clear hostility between the two rival teams.
- Prejudice (Noun): Preconceived opinion not based on reason or experience.
- Animosity (Noun): Strong hostility.
- Antipathy (Noun): A deep-seated feeling of dislike.
Synonyms
- Extreme prejudice
- Blind hatred
- Unreasoning animosity
- Virulent antagonism
Antonyms
- Rational critique
- Reasoned disagreement
- Objective analysis
- Impartiality
Related Phrases/Idioms
- To have a chip on one's shoulder: To be habitually angry or hostile as a result of a perceived grievance.
- He approaches every negotiation with a chip on his shoulder, which often comes across as irrational hostility.
- To bear a grudge: To harbor persistent resentment.
- Her irrational hostility stemmed from a grudge she had borne for years.
Noun
- extreme prejudice