Hate speech is a term that has varied meanings and has no single, consistent definition. However, it is generally defined as any form of expression through which speakers intend to vilify, humiliate, or incite hatred against a group or a class of persons on the basis of race, religion, skin color, sexual identity, gender identity, ethnicity, disability, or national origin. Hate speech can be discriminatory, biased, bigoted, intolerant, prejudiced, contemptuous, demeaning, violent, or dehumanizing. It is often considered a direct attack against people rather than concepts or institutions.

In some countries, hate speech is not a legal term, while in others, it is protected by the First Amendment. However, in some countries, hate speech is criminalized when it directly incites imminent criminal activity or consists of specific threats of violence targeted against a person or group. Hate speech can create an environment of intimidation and exclusion, and in some cases, may promote offline violence.

It is important to note that the term "hate speech" is not universally accepted, and there is much debate over freedom of speech, hate speech, and hate speech legislation. The definition of hate speech carries serious implications, and there is a rejection of a univocal definition that captures "the essence" of hate speech as a phenomenon.