'hatred' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'hǣtred' (also attested as 'hatrǣd'), where the base 'hate' meant 'strong dislike' and the suffix '-ræden/-red' meant 'state, condition.'

'hǣtred' transformed into the Middle English form 'hatred(e)' and eventually became the modern English word 'hatred'; 'hatreds' is the regular plural form in Modern English.

Initially, it meant 'the state or condition of hating; enmity,' and over time it has come to mean 'intense dislike or animosity,' which remains the core sense today.