Bias crime, also known as hate crime, is a criminal offense committed against an individual or a group of people based on their race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or any other characteristic that makes them different from the perpetrator. Bias crimes are motivated by prejudice, intolerance, and hatred, and they have a devastating impact on the victims and their communities.
Definitions
Bias crime can be defined as a criminal act that is motivated by hatred, prejudice, or bias against a particular group of people. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), a hate crime is a “criminal offense against a person or property motivated in whole or in part by an offender’s bias against a race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity, gender, or gender identity.”.
Origin
Bias crime has been a part of human history for centuries. It has been used as a tool to oppress, discriminate, and marginalize certain groups of people. The origins of bias crime can be traced back to the early days of slavery, when African Americans were subjected to violence, intimidation, and murder because of their race. In the 20th century, bias crimes were used to target Jews, LGBTQ+ people, and other minority groups during the Holocaust and other genocides.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of bias crime can vary slightly depending on the dictionary you consult. According to Merriam-Webster, bias crime is “a crime motivated by bias or prejudice against a particular group of people.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “a criminal offense committed against a person or property that is motivated by prejudice or hatred on the basis of race, religion, sexual orientation, or other characteristic.”.
Associations
Bias crime is associated with a wide range of negative consequences, both for the victims and their communities. It can lead to physical and emotional harm, loss of property, and a sense of fear and insecurity. Bias crime can also create a climate of intolerance and hatred, which can have long-lasting effects on the social fabric of a community.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of bias crime include hate crime, prejudice crime, discriminatory crime, and intolerance crime.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms of bias crime, but some related terms include tolerance, acceptance, and respect.
The same root words
The root words of bias crime are bias and crime. Bias refers to a prejudice or preference that is not based on reason or evidence, while crime is a violation of the law that can result in punishment.
Example Sentences
- The police are investigating the bias crime against the Asian American community.
- The perpetrator of the bias crime was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
- We need to raise awareness about the impact of bias crime on our society.
- The rise in bias crimes against LGBTQ+ people is a cause for concern.
- The community came together to condemn the bias crime and show support for the victims.