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

1. extreme prejudice