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Xenophobia Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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xenophobia

[ˌzɛnəˈfoʊbiə ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

fear

Xenophobia is the fear or hatred of foreigners, people from different cultures, or strangers. It can manifest in various forms, including discrimination, prejudice, or violence towards those perceived as outsiders.

Synonyms

bigotry, intolerance, racism.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
xenophobia

This word is suitable when describing a fear or dislike of people from other countries or cultures. It often occurs in discussions about global movements, immigration, and cultural integration.

  • The rise in xenophobia has been concerning, especially after the recent influx of refugees.
  • Her xenophobia prevented her from enjoying the diverse cultural festival.
racism

Racism is specifically used to describe prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against someone of a different race based on the belief that one's own race is superior. This term is central to conversations about racial equality and civil rights.

  • The protest aimed to draw attention to systemic racism in the education system.
  • He was fired for making racist remarks to his colleagues.
bigotry

Bigotry is appropriate when describing an unreasonable attachment to negative opinions or prejudices against people of different racial, religious, or social groups. This term carries a strong negative connotation and is often used in discussions about social justice and human rights.

  • His bigotry was evident in his refusal to hire anyone with a different background.
  • The community came together to fight against the bigotry that had emerged.
intolerance

Intolerance is used to describe unwillingness to accept views, beliefs, or behavior that differ from one's own. This word can be applied in a wide range of contexts, from personal relationships to broader societal issues.

  • Her intolerance of different opinions made it hard to work with her.
  • The organization has a strict policy against any form of intolerance.

Examples of usage

  • His xenophobia prevented him from interacting with people of different nationalities.
  • The rise of xenophobia in the country led to increased tensions between locals and immigrants.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Studies show that xenophobia can stem from lack of exposure to different cultures, leading to misunderstandings.
  • Cognitive biases can reinforce xenophobic attitudes, as people may remember negative experiences more vividly than positive ones.
  • Feeling threatened by the unknown can trigger xenophobic reactions, causing people to favor those who are similar to them.

Social Impact

  • Xenophobia can lead to social division, affecting community cohesion and causing conflicts.
  • Some political movements may capitalize on xenophobic sentiments to gain support, influencing public policy and attitudes.
  • It can also affect economic growth by limiting collaboration and innovation from diverse perspectives.

Cultural Representation

  • In literature and film, xenophobia is often portrayed through characters who struggle to understand or accept those different from themselves.
  • Many artists use their work to challenge xenophobic ideas, promoting messages of acceptance and diversity.
  • Documentaries and news stories often highlight the consequences of xenophobia, raising awareness about its impact on society.

History

  • Throughout history, xenophobia has been a driving force behind many conflicts, from wars to discriminatory laws.
  • The rise of nationalism in the 20th century saw a significant increase in xenophobic sentiments across various countries.
  • Social movements have emerged to combat xenophobia, advocating for tolerance and cultural exchange.

Origin of 'xenophobia'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Greek 'xenos,' meaning 'foreigner,' and 'phobos,' meaning 'fear.'
  • It first appeared in English texts in the late 19th century, reflecting anxieties over immigration during that period.
  • The concept combines cultural and psychological elements, showing how language can influence perceptions of others.

The term 'xenophobia' has its roots in Greek, where 'xenos' means 'foreigner' and 'phobos' means 'fear.' The concept of xenophobia has been present throughout history, often fueled by political, social, or economic factors. Xenophobia can have serious consequences, leading to social conflict, discrimination, and even violence.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,887, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.