xenophobic
Xenophobic (adjective) means showing fear, dislike or hostility towards people from other countries, or towards foreigners and their customs. Example: “The campaign was condemned for its xenophobic language about migrant workers.”
How to Use Xenophobic
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHostile towards people from other countries.
Strongly critical. It is an accusation, not a neutral description, and is used mainly of rhetoric, policy and attitudes.
The noun is xenophobia and the person is a xenophobe. The initial x is pronounced like a z.
Trace the full origin ↓Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
The campaign was condemned for its _____ language about migrant workers.
Etymology
From Greek xenos, meaning stranger or foreigner, and phobos, meaning fear.
Synonyms
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Related Words
Rhymes for xenophobic
See all rhymes for xenophobic →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between xenophobic and racist?
Xenophobia targets people on the basis of being foreign — their nationality, immigration status, language or accent. Racism targets people on the basis of race or perceived ethnic origin, including fellow citizens. The two overlap heavily in practice, and hostility often draws on both at once.
How do you pronounce xenophobic?
The x is pronounced as a z: zen-uh-FOH-bik, with the stress on the third syllable. The same applies to xenophobia and xenophobe.
Is xenophobia the same as nationalism?
No. Nationalism is devotion to one's own nation and can exist without hostility to others. Xenophobia is specifically fear or hatred of foreigners. Nationalist movements may be xenophobic, but the terms are not interchangeable.
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