Prejudge

/priːˈdʒʌdʒ/

Meaning & Definition

verb

To form an opinion or judgment about something before having all the relevant facts or information.

It's unfair to prejudge someone's abilities based solely on their appearance.

To make a decision about something before it is fully considered or evaluated.

The jury must not prejudge the case based on media reports.

To anticipate or ascertain a situation without proper evidence.

We should not prejudge their motives; we need more context.

From the prefix 'pre-' meaning before, and 'judge' meaning to form an opinion about something.

Prejudging a book by its cover

Making an opinion about something based solely on its appearance.

Jumping to conclusions

Making a decision or forming an opinion hastily.

bias

A tendency to favor or disfavor something or someone unfairly.

stereotype

A widely held but oversimplified and generalized belief about a particular group or class of people.

To jump to a conclusion based on stereotypes.

Don't prejudge him just because he wears a hoodie.

To assume something about a person without knowing their story.

He might seem rude, but don't prejudge; he can be really nice once you get to know him.