hate figures
Targets of contempt
A hate figure is a person who becomes a target of widespread hostility or vilification, often serving as a symbol of something a group despises: The politician became a hate figure for environmentalists.
The term implies the hatred is collective and sometimes disproportionate—the person embodies grievances larger than their individual actions.
Every movement needs its hate figures.
- villainWicked story antagonist
- nemesisPersistent source of ruin
- animosityActive, bitter hostility
- pariahRejected, shunned person
- bogeymanImaginary childhood terror
anathema · cancel culture · persona non grata · scapegoat · anger · detestation · dislike · punching bag · easy target · lightning rod · antipathy · target · rage · propagandist · demagogue · aversion · tyrant · oppressor
hate figuresnational heroes
Celebrated citizens of distinction
fan favorites · sweethearts · national treasures · heartthrobs · darlings
hate figuresrole models
People others emulate
heroes · inspirational figures · saints · patron saints · standard-bearers
hate, figure, hates, hated, hating, hateful, hatefully, hatefulness, hater