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Xenophobe Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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xenophobe

[ˈzɛnəˌfoʊb ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

person who is afraid of or dislikes people from other countries

A xenophobe is someone who has a strong fear or dislike of people from other countries or cultures. Xenophobes often exhibit prejudice, discrimination, or hostility towards individuals who are perceived as being foreign or different. This fear or dislike can be rooted in ignorance, stereotypes, or a sense of superiority.

Synonyms

bigot, chauvinist, jingoist, racist.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
xenophobe

Used when describing someone with a fear or hatred of foreigners, people from different cultures, or strangers.

  • He refuses to travel abroad because he is a xenophobe
  • Her xenophobic remarks alienated her from the group
racist

Used to describe a person who believes that different races possess distinct characteristics, abilities, or qualities, especially so as to discriminate against individuals of a different race. It is a term with very strong negative connotations.

  • His racist views have no place in our society
  • She made a racist comment that caused uproar among her colleagues
bigot

Appropriate when talking about a person who is intolerant toward those holding different opinions or who belong to different groups. This term has a strong negative connotation.

  • His comments about the new policy showed that he is a bigot
  • She was labeled a bigot after making discriminatory remarks about immigrants
chauvinist

Used when describing someone who has an aggressive or exaggerated patriotism and a belief in the superiority of their own gender, group, or kind. It also carries a negative connotation.

  • He is such a chauvinist; he believes men are inherently superior to women
  • His chauvinistic attitude made it difficult for him to accept that others might have valuable contributions
jingoist

Best used to describe someone who displays extreme patriotism in the form of aggressive or warlike foreign policy. This term also has a negative connotation.

  • His speech was full of jingoist rhetoric, calling for aggressive actions against other countries
  • The politician's jingoistic sentiments appealed to nationalists but worried international allies

Examples of usage

  • His xenophobic remarks towards immigrants were met with backlash.
  • The rise of xenophobia in the country is concerning.
  • She was labeled a xenophobe for her discriminatory comments.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Research shows that xenophobia can stem from fear of the unknown, where unfamiliarity triggers anxiety in individuals.
  • Studies have found that people with high levels of xenophobia may also exhibit higher levels of general anxiety and a strong desire for social conformity.
  • Some psychologists argue that xenophobia is a learned behavior, often influenced by societal norms and media portrayals of different cultures.

History

  • Throughout history, various groups have faced xenophobia, impacting immigration laws and social policies around the world.
  • The rise of nationalism in some countries has fueled xenophobic sentiments, often leading to discriminatory practices against minorities.
  • Events like refugee crises or economic downturns have historically triggered spikes in xenophobic attitudes as communities react to perceived threats.

Cultural Impact

  • Xenophobia has been depicted in various forms of art and literature, showcasing the struggles of acceptance and the detrimental effects of fear.
  • Films and books often explore themes of xenophobia, challenging audiences to confront their biases and perceptions of the 'other.'
  • In popular culture, the term is frequently used in discussions about immigration, showing its ongoing relevance in societal debates.

Society

  • Xenophobia can lead to societal issues like segregation, discrimination, and social unrest, impacting community cohesion.
  • Organizations and movements often work to combat xenophobia by promoting multiculturalism and inclusion as positive values.
  • Education plays a crucial role in addressing xenophobia, helping individuals build empathy and understanding toward different cultures.

Origin of 'xenophobe'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Greek 'xenos,' meaning 'stranger' or 'foreigner,' and 'phobos,' which means 'fear.'
  • In the late 19th century, the term began to be used in English to describe individuals with a strong dislike for foreigners.
  • The prefix 'xeno-' is commonly seen in other words like 'xenophobia,' 'xenotransplantation,' and 'xenon.'

The term 'xenophobe' has its roots in Greek, where 'xenos' means 'foreigner' and 'phobos' means 'fear'. The concept of xenophobia has existed throughout history, often fueled by political, social, or economic factors. Xenophobia can lead to discrimination, violence, and conflict between different groups of people.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #42,340, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.