Xenophobia Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˌzɛnəˈfəʊbiə/

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

Xenophobia is an intense or irrational dislike of people from other countries or cultures, often resulting in prejudice, hostility, or violence towards foreigners or minority groups.

Examples

1. “The politician’s xenophobic rhetoric sparked outrage among immigrant communities.”

2. “Xenophobia has been on the rise in recent years, fueling anti-immigrant sentiment and violence.”

Synonyms

1. Nationalism

2. Racism

3. Bigotry

Antonyms

1. Cosmopolitanism

2. Tolerance

3. Multiculturalism

Additional Information

Xenophobia is a complex and multifaceted issue, often rooted in fear, ignorance, and misinformation about other cultures. It can manifest in various forms, including verbal and physical attacks, discriminatory policies, and social exclusion.

Xenophobia can have severe consequences, including marginalization, displacement, and even violence against minority groups. It is essential to recognize and challenge xenophobic attitudes and behaviors, promoting understanding, empathy, and inclusivity instead.

Historically, xenophobia has been used as a tool for social control, often to justify discriminatory policies and actions against minority groups. However, it is crucial to recognize that xenophobia is not an inherent or natural phenomenon but rather a product of social and cultural conditioning.

Etymology

The term “xenophobia” comes from the Greek words “xenos” (ξένος), meaning “stranger” or “foreigner,” and “phobos” (φόβος), meaning “fear” or “morbid fear.”

Usage Notes

Xenophobia is often used to describe a range of attitudes and behaviors, from mild prejudice to violent hatred. When using the term, it is essential to be specific about the context and severity of the xenophobic behavior.

Cultural References

Xenophobia has been depicted in various forms of media, including literature, film, and music. For example, the novel “The Stranger” by Albert Camus explores themes of xenophobia and alienation.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

1. “Fear of the unknown”

2. “Stranger danger”

Collocations

1. Xenophobic attitudes

2. Xenophobic behavior

3. Xenophobic rhetoric

Frequency of Use

Xenophobia is a relatively common term in modern language, particularly in the context of immigration, politics, and social justice.

Common Misspellings

1. Xenophibia

2. Xenofobia

3. Xenophobiae