1. a negative attitude toward another person or group formed in advance of any experience with that person or group. Prejudices include an affective component (emotions that range from mild nervousness to hatred), a cognitive component (assumptions and beliefs about groups, including stereotypes), and a behavioral component (negative behaviors, including discrimination and violence). They tend to be resistant to change because they distort the prejudiced individual’s perception of information pertaining to the group. Prejudice based on racial grouping is racism; prejudice based on sex is sexism; prejudice based on chronological age is ageism; and prejudice based on disability is ableism.

2. any preconceived attitude or view, whether favorable or unfavorable.