adjective

xenophobic

zen-uh-FOH-bik

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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.”

adjective

Showing fear, dislike or hostility towards people from other countries, or towards foreigners and their customs.

"The campaign was condemned for its xenophobic language about migrant workers."

"He grew up in a xenophobic town where anyone with an accent was treated as a threat."

How to use xenophobic

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishHostile towards people from other countries.

When to use it

Strongly critical. It is an accusation, not a neutral description, and is used mainly of rhetoric, policy and attitudes.

Memory tip

The noun is xenophobia and the person is a xenophobe. The initial x is pronounced like a z.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

xenophobic vs racist xenophobia vs nationalism

Common pairings

xenophobic rhetoric xenophobic attacks xenophobic abuse xenophobic policies

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

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.

Origin: Greek

Synonyms

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chauvinistic nativist insular bigoted anti-immigrant

Antonyms

welcoming cosmopolitan tolerant xenophilic

Related words

general kind patient joint friendly universal worldwide provincial

Rhymes for xenophobic

aerobic anaerobic homophobic claustrophobic

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.

What is the meaning of xenophobic?

"xenophobic" (adjective) means showing fear, dislike or hostility towards people from other countries, or towards foreigners and their customs.

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