Definition

Adjective 1. Characterized by or expressing misogyny; having or showing a deep-seated hatred of, contempt for, or prejudice against women. - This is the core meaning, describing a person, attitude, or action that embodies hostility towards women. 2. (Specifically used of men) Having a deep-seated distrust of women. - This usage specifies that the adjective is applied to men who hold such prejudiced views.

Usage and Examples

• The critic's misogynic reviews, which consistently dismissed female directors' work as "emotional" and "trivial," sparked widespread controversy.
• His misogynic worldview made it impossible for him to maintain healthy relationships with women.
• The novel's antagonist is portrayed as a deeply misogynic character who views women solely as objects.

Advanced Usage and Notes

• The term misogynic is less common than the related noun misogyny (the hatred of women) or the adjective misogynistic. However, it is a valid and precise adjective.
• It is often used in formal, academic, or critical discourse to analyze attitudes in literature, politics, philosophy, or social behavior.
• While the reference definition specifies "(used of men)," the adjective can theoretically describe any entity (e.g., a system, ideology, or piece of writing) that exhibits hatred towards women, though it is most frequently applied to male individuals.

Variants and Related Words

• Misogyny (n.): The hatred, dislike, or mistrust of women.
  • The culture was steeped in institutional misogyny.
• Misogynist (n.): A person who hates women.
  • He was exposed as a notorious misogynist.
• Misogynistic (adj.): Having or showing misogyny. This is the most common adjectival form and is largely synonymous with misogynic.
  • The film was criticized for its misogynistic themes.

Synonyms

• Woman-hating
• Anti-female
• Sexist (though "sexist" is a broader term encompassing prejudice based on sex, not solely hatred)

Antonyms

• Philogynic (adj.): Having or showing love or admiration for women. (Note: This is a very rare, formal word.)
• Feminist (adj.): Supporting women's rights and equality.
• Egalitarian (adj.): Believing in the principle that all people are equal and deserve equal rights.

Adjective

1. (used of men) having deep-seated distrust of women