hate figure
Target of loathing
A hate figure is a person who serves as a focal point for public animosity or resentment—someone widely despised, often by a particular group or movement.
The term implies the person has become a symbol of something objectionable: She became a hate figure for conservatives after her testimony.
Hate figures may be vilified fairly or unfairly, but the role itself suggests concentrated hostility rather than mere disagreement.
Designated recipient of punishment
- fall guyOne blamed for others
- patsyEasily deceived victim
- targetObject of pursuit
- lightning rodGrounded spike for discharges
punching bag · sacrificial lamb · easy target · proxy · symbol · effigy · strawman · focal point
Rejected, shunned person
- outcastShunned, rejected person
- persona non grataOfficially unwelcome individual
- notoriousFamous for negativity
- infamousHaving a terrible reputation
despised · loathed · detested · abhorred · blacklisted · shunned · ostracized · disgraced
Portrayed as evil
- reviledHarshly criticized, deeply hated
- condemnedOfficially declared unfit
- denouncedPublicly accused or condemned
- stigmatizedMarked with social shame
maligned · pilloried · castigated · excoriated · vilified · smeared · defamed · denigrated
whipping boy
Designated recipient of punishment
lightning rod · punching bag · sacrificial lamb · easy target · proxy · symbol · effigy · strawman · focal point · outlet
pariah
Rejected, shunned person
- outcastShunned, rejected person
- persona non grataOfficially unwelcome individual
- notoriousFamous for negativity
infamous · despised · loathed · detested · abhorred · blacklisted · shunned · ostracized · disgraced · untouchable
demonized
Portrayed as evil
- reviledHarshly criticized, deeply hated
- condemnedOfficially declared unfit
- denouncedPublicly accused or condemned
stigmatized · maligned · pilloried · castigated · excoriated · vilified · smeared · defamed · denigrated · slandered
loathing
Intense, settled disgust
hostility · antipathy · enmity · revulsion · disgust · scorn · vitriol · venom · rage · fury
nemesis
Persistent source of ruin
- villainWicked story antagonist
- archenemyPrincipal antagonist
- bete noireDetested person or thing
enemy · adversary · foe · bogeyman · bugbear · demon · monster · ogre · tyrant · oppressor
hate figurehero
One admired for courage
darling · sweetheart · national treasure · fan favorite · idol
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