Definition

1. Noun:

   • A preconceived opinion or feeling, especially one that is not based on reason or actual experience, and that prevents objective consideration of an issue or person.
   • Harm or injury that results or may result from some action or judgment.

2. Verb:

   • To cause (someone) to have a preconceived opinion or feeling about someone or something.
   • To harm or injure the interests or legal rights of (a person or group).

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The decision was made without prejudice. (The decision was made without causing harm or pre-judging the issue.)
  • He has a strong prejudice against modern art. (He holds a strong, unreasoned dislike for modern art.)
• Verb:
  • The media coverage prejudiced the jury. (The media coverage caused the jury to form an opinion before the trial.)
  • Your actions could prejudice your chances of success. (Your actions could harm your chances of success.)

Advanced Usage

• "Without prejudice" (Legal term): A statement or offer made in negotiation to settle a dispute, which cannot be used as evidence in court if the negotiation fails. It allows parties to speak freely.
  • The letter was marked "without prejudice."
• "To the prejudice of": Resulting in harm or damage to the rights or interests of someone or something.
  • He acted to the prejudice of his client's case.

Variants and Related Words

• Prejudiced (Adjective): Having or showing a preconceived opinion or bias.
  • A prejudiced viewpoint.
• Prejudicial (Adjective): Harmful to someone's rights or interests; causing prejudice.
  • Prejudicial remarks.

Synonyms

• Noun: Bias, preconception, partiality, bigotry (for strong, unreasonable prejudice).
• Verb: Bias, influence, predispose, damage, harm.

Related Phrases

• Prejudice against: A negative bias or preconceived dislike.
  • Prejudice against immigrants.
• Prejudice in favour of: A positive bias or preconceived preference.
  • Prejudice in favour of traditional methods.

Idioms

• A victim of prejudice: Someone who is harmed or treated unfairly because of others' biased opinions.
  • She felt she was a victim of prejudice.
• Color/race prejudice: Prejudice based on a person's race or skin color.
  • The policies were designed to combat race prejudice.

Noun

1. a partiality that prevents objective consideration of an issue or situation

Verb

1. influence (somebody's) opinion in advance
2. disadvantage by prejudice