Antisemitic: meaning, definitions and examples

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antisemitic

 

[ ˌæn.ti.səˈmɪt.ɪk ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

describing behavior

Antisemitic refers to prejudicial or hostile attitudes, actions, or beliefs directed against Jewish people. This term often manifests in social, political, or economic discrimination and is rooted in stereotypes and misconceptions about Jews. Antisemitism can take many forms, including hate speech, violence, and systemic discrimination, and can be found in various cultures and societies throughout history.

Synonyms

anti-Jewish, bigoted, prejudiced

Examples of usage

  • The antisemitic comments made during the debate were deeply concerning.
  • She faced antisemitic backlash for her support of Jewish organizations.
  • Antisemitic stereotypes have been perpetuated in media for decades.

Translations

Translations of the word "antisemitic" in other languages:

🇵🇹 antissemita

🇮🇳 एंटीसेमेटिक

🇩🇪 antisemitisch

🇮🇩 antisemit

🇺🇦 антисемітський

🇵🇱 antysemicki

🇯🇵 反ユダヤ主義の

🇫🇷 antisémite

🇪🇸 antisemita

🇹🇷 antisemitik

🇰🇷 반유대주의의

🇸🇦 معاداة السامية

🇨🇿 antisemitismus

🇸🇰 antisemitizmus

🇨🇳 反犹太主义的

🇸🇮 antisemitizem

🇮🇸 andríus

🇰🇿 антисемиттік

🇬🇪 ანტისემიტური

🇦🇿 antisemitizm

🇲🇽 antisemita

Etymology

The word 'antisemitic' was coined in the late 19th century, particularly associated with the rise of racial theories in Europe that categorized Jews as a distinct 'race' in a derogatory sense rather than as a religious group. The term is derived from 'anti-' meaning 'against' and 'Semitic,' which originally referred to a family of languages that includes Hebrew and Arabic but became associated primarily with the Jewish people. Antisemitism has deep historical roots, dating back to ancient times, but gained significant prominence in Europe in the context of the modern nation-state development, particularly in the context of the 19th and 20th centuries with events such as the Dreyfus Affair in France and the Holocaust during World War II. The term is still used today to describe ongoing discrimination and prejudice against Jewish communities globally, emphasizing its relevance in contemporary discussions about racism and intolerance.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,687 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.