noun

xenophobia

zen-uh-FOH-bee-uh

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Xenophobia (noun) means Intense dislike, fear or hostility towards people from other countries, or towards anything perceived as foreign. Example: “The campaign was widely condemned as an appeal to xenophobia.”

noun

Intense dislike, fear or hostility towards people from other countries, or towards anything perceived as foreign.

"The campaign was widely condemned as an appeal to xenophobia."

"Rising xenophobia made it harder for migrant workers to find housing."

How to use xenophobia

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishFear or hatred of people from other countries.

When to use it

Neutral in register but strongly negative in force; calling someone xenophobic is an accusation, not a description.

Memory tip

Stress falls on the third syllable: zen-uh-FOH-bee-uh, and the initial x is pronounced z.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

racism → xenophile homophobia → nativism →

Common pairings

rising xenophobia casual xenophobia xenophobia and racism fuel xenophobia

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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 “xenophobia” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The campaign was widely condemned as an appeal to _____.

Etymology

From Greek xenos "stranger, foreigner" and phobos "fear", formed on the model of other -phobia words.

Origin: Greek

Synonyms

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bigotry prejudice racism chauvinism nativism intolerance

Antonyms

xenophilia tolerance cosmopolitanism

Related words

natural nature race nation balance discrimination margin patience

Rhymes for xenophobia

IA Odia aria Asia India Syria Bahia mania Latvia acacia Zambia Russia

See all rhymes for xenophobia →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between xenophobia and racism?

Racism is prejudice based on race or ethnicity, including against people born in the same country. Xenophobia targets foreignness itself — nationality, immigration status, accent or origin — so someone can be xenophobic towards people of their own race who come from elsewhere. In practice the two often overlap.

Is xenophobia an actual phobia?

Not in the clinical sense. Despite the -phobia ending it is not recognised as an anxiety disorder; it describes a social and political hostility rather than a diagnosable fear.

What is a person who is xenophobic called?

A xenophobe. The adjective is xenophobic, and the opposite disposition — a fondness for foreign people and cultures — is xenophilia.

What is the meaning of xenophobia?

"xenophobia" (noun) means intense dislike, fear or hostility towards people from other countries, or towards anything perceived as foreign.

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