嫉恨 (jí hèn) is a compound noun expressing a powerful, toxic blend of jealousy and hatred — not just envy over someone’s advantages, but a deep-seated resentment that may fuel ill will or desire for their downfall. The first character 嫉 (jí) means 'to be jealous' — often of another’s success, beauty, or status — while 恨 (hèn) conveys 'bitter hatred' or 'deep grudge', stronger than mere dislike. Together, they form a word with moral weight, implying emotional intensity and potential malice.

This term appears in literature, psychological discussions, and serious commentary on interpersonal conflict. It’s rarely used lightly or humorously; instead, it signals genuine emotional danger — such as when rivalry curdles into spite, or when perceived injustice hardens into vengefulness. Unlike simpler words like 嫉妒 (jí dù), 嫉恨 suggests an escalation: the jealousy has taken root and fused with hostility, often over time or after repeated slights.