misanthropy is a general dislike, distrust, or hatred of the human species, or a disposition to dislike and/or distrust other people. the term is also applicable to those who self-exile themselves or become loners because of the aforementioned feelings. the word comes from the Greek words μίσος ("hatred") and άνθρωπος ("man, human being"). a misanthrope or misanthropist is a person who dislikes or distrusts humanity as a general rule.

misanthropy does not necessarily imply an inhumane or sociopathic attitude towards humanity.