1. people who dislike or distrust humankind and avoid human society
Usage: plural of misanthropist; formal

Examples

• The novel features several misanthropists who have withdrawn from civilization.
• Some misanthropists believe that human nature is fundamentally selfish.
• Throughout history, philosophers and writers have been labeled misanthropists for their criticism of society.
• The hermit's lifestyle suggested he was one of the village's misanthropists.
• Not all misanthropists are unfriendly; some simply prefer solitude to social interaction.
• The character's transformation from idealist to one of the story's misanthropists drives the plot.