prejudice

Universal Words noun, verb noun [U,C] ~ (against sb/sth) an unreasonable dislike of or PREFERENCE for a person, group, custom, etc., especially when it is based on their race, religion, sex, etc: a victim of racial prejudice * Their decision was based on ignorance and prejudice. * There is little prejudice against workers from other EU states. * I must admit to a prejudice in favour of British universities. IDIOMS without prejudice (to sth) (law) without affecting any other legal matter: They agreed to pay compensation without prejudice (= without admitting guilt). verb [VN] 1 ~ sb (against sb/sth) to influence sb so that they have an unfair or unreasonable opinion about sb/sth: The prosecution lawyers have been trying to prejudice the jury against her. 2 (formal) to have a harmful effect on sth: Any delay will prejudice the child's welfare.