Misanthrope
/ˈmɪs.ən.θroʊp/noun
A person who dislikes humankind and avoids human society.
Did you know?The concept of misanthropy dates back to ancient Greece, where philosophers like Diogenes famously rejected societal norms and human interaction, embracing solitude instead.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
μισάνθρωπος (misanthrōpos)
“One who hates mankind.”
14th Century
Old French
misanthrope
“A person who has a deep-seated distrust or disdain for humanity.”
16th Century
English
misanthrope
“Adopted from French, retaining the meaning of someone who is cynical about human nature.”
Modern English
English
misanthrope
“Referring to a person who generally distrusts or dislikes people, often due to negative experiences.”
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