prejudice: Meaning and Definition of

prej•u•dice

1. an unfavorable opinion or feeling formed beforehand or without knowledge, thought, or reason.
2. any preconceived opinion or feeling, either favorable or unfavorable.
3. unreasonable feelings, opinions, or attitudes, esp. of a hostile nature, regarding a racial, religious, or national group.
4. such attitudes considered collectively: The war against prejudice is never-ending.
5. damage or injury; detriment: a law that operated to the prejudice of the majority.
6. without dismissing, damaging, or otherwise affecting a legal interest or demand.

1. to affect with a prejudice, either favorable or unfavorable: His honesty and sincerity prejudiced us in his favor.