Meaning & Definition
noun
A person who holds prejudiced beliefs or engages in discriminatory behavior against people of different races.
She refused to associate with anyone who was clearly a racist.
A person who believes in the superiority of a particular race.
His views made it clear that he was not just prejudiced, but a full-fledged racist.
adjective
Characterized by or exhibiting prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism against individuals of different races.
His racist comments during the meeting were met with widespread condemnation.
Relating to or based on the belief that one race is superior to another.
The group's racist ideology promoted the idea of racial supremacy.
Etymology
Derived from 'race' + '-ist', referring to someone who supports or believes in the ideas of racial superiority.
Common Phrases and Expressions
racial prejudice:
An unfair or unreasonable belief about a race.
racial discrimination:
Unjust behavior derived from a person's race.
racial profiling:
Judging or suspecting someone based on their race.
Slang Meanings
Racism in a casual context.
She made a racist joke that offended everyone.
Describing someone who is overtly prejudiced.
He's such a racist, always making comments about other cultures.