A pre-conceived and usually oversimplified conception of characteristics which typify a person / group of people / thing; presuming that a group of people will share a specific characteristic.

1807, verbal noun from stereotype (v.). Figurative sense from 1888.

The formation of belief(s) about a person or groups of people that does not recognize individual differences. Stereotyping may be positive or negative in character.

the act of portraying a particular character (or group) with a formulaic, conforming, exaggerated, and oversimplified representation, usually offensive and distorted Example: in Breakfast at Tiffany&# [..]

a generalised set of traits and characteristics attributed to a specific ethnic, national, cultural or racial group which gives rise to false expectations that individual members of the group will conform to these traits.

An oversimplified Perception or conception especially of Persons, social groups, etc.

An oversimplified perception or conception especially of persons, social groups, etc.

Creating an oversimplified image of a particular group of people, usually by assuming that all members of the group are alike.