prejudice

Prejudice is an opinion or judgment that disregards the facts.

(noun)

An example of prejudice is racism.
An example of prejudice is liking a person because they have blue eyes.
An example of prejudice is not liking someone because they don't share your religion.

See prejudice in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

a judgment or opinion formed before the facts are known; preconceived idea, favorable or, more usually, unfavorable
1. a judgment or opinion held in disregard of facts that contradict it; unreasonable bias: a prejudice against modern art
2. the holding of such judgments or opinions
suspicion, intolerance, or irrational hatred of other races, creeds, regions, occupations, etc.
injury or harm resulting as from some judgment or action of another or others

Origin: ME < MFr < L praejudicium < prae-, before (see pre-) + judicium, judgment < judex (gen. judicis), judge

See prejudice in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

a. An adverse judgment or opinion formed beforehand or without knowledge or examination of the facts.
b. A preconceived preference or idea.
The act or state of holding unreasonable preconceived judgments or convictions. See Synonyms at predilection.
Irrational suspicion or hatred of a particular group, race, or religion.
Detriment or injury caused to a person by the preconceived, unfavorable conviction of another or others.

transitive verb prej·u·diced, prej·u·dic·ing, prej·u·dic·es