xenophobia
Dislike of or prejudice against people from other countries.
Xenophobia is a systemic or individual fear and hostility directed toward foreigners, immigrants, or anything perceived as strange and foreign. It often manifests in discriminatory laws or social exclusion.
Word relationships
- bigotry: Bigotry is obstinate prejudice against any group (based on religion, race, or opinion), while xenophobia is strictly focused on foreigners and foreign cultures.
- chauvinism: Chauvinism is an aggressive, exaggerated patriotism or belief in national superiority, which often drives xenophobia but is conceptually distinct.
- xenophilia: Xenophilia is an affection for, attraction to, or appreciation of foreign people, cultures, and customs.
Commonly confused with
- racism: Racism targets physical or ethnic characteristics, whereas xenophobia targets foreign nationality, culture, or geographic origin.
Word family
- xenophobic (adjective): Having or showing a dislike of or prejudice against people from other countries.
- xenophobe (noun): A person having a dislike of or prejudice against people from other countries.
Collocations
- fuel xenophobia
- rising xenophobia
- xenophobia and racism
- combating xenophobia
Example sentences
- "During economic downturns, populist politicians sometimes exploit xenophobia by blaming foreign workers for job losses." An analysis of political rhetoric.
- "To combat xenophobia, the city council launched a cultural exchange program to foster understanding between locals and immigrants." A sociological study of integration.
Memory hook
Xenophobia: 'Xeno' sounds like 'Zeno' (a strange alien name) + 'phobia' (fear of). Fear of the strange. Fear of the foreign stranger.
When not to use
Do not confuse with racism, which is prejudice based on race or ethnicity; xenophobia is specifically based on foreign origin or nationality (though the two frequently overlap).
Fun facts
- The word 'xenon' (the chemical element) shares the same Greek root 'xenos' because it was discovered as a strange, inactive gas hidden in liquid air.
Related words
Explore more words
prejudice, persecution, animosity, antipathy, discrimination, bigotry
Also appears in
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