noun

transphobia

trans-FOH-bee-uh

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Transphobia (noun) means Hatred, fear or prejudice directed at transgender and transsexual people, or at transness in general. Example: “The charity's website explains the effects of transphobia on young people.”

noun

sensitive Hatred, fear or prejudice directed at transgender and transsexual people, or at transness in general.

"The charity's website explains the effects of transphobia on young people."

"Online transphobia can range from mockery to direct threats."

"The new policy aims to reduce transphobia in the workplace."

How to use transphobia

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishPrejudice, fear or hatred directed at transgender people.

When to use it

Used in serious, sensitive discussion of social and political issues rather than casual conversation.

Memory tip

The related adjective is transphobic, and a person who holds these views is called a transphobe.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

homophobia →

Common pairings

combat transphobia internalised transphobia acts of transphobia face transphobia

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “transphobia” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The charity's website explains the effects of _____ on young people.

Etymology

Transphobia is formed from the prefix trans-, referring to transgender identity, combined with the suffix -phobia, denoting fear or hatred.

Origin: English

Antonyms

transphilia

Rhymes for transphobia

Odia aria India Syria ataxia Latvia acacia Zambia Russia LGBTQIA ectasia hryvnia

See all rhymes for transphobia →

Frequently asked questions

What does transphobia mean?

It means hatred, fear or prejudice against transgender and transsexual people, or against transness generally.

What is the opposite of transphobia?

The listed opposite is transphilia.

Is transphobia the same as homophobia?

No. Transphobia targets transgender people specifically, while homophobia targets people based on sexual orientation; the two are considered coordinate, related terms.

What is the meaning of transphobia?

"transphobia" (noun) means hatred, fear or prejudice directed at transgender and transsexual people, or at transness in general.