xenophobia
UK: ˌzenəˈfəʊbiə | US: ˌzenəˈfoʊbiə
n. an intense or irrational dislike or fear of people from other countries or cultures.
The word "xenophobia" combines two Greek-derived morphemes:
- "xeno-" (from Greek xenos, meaning "foreign" or "stranger")
- "-phobia" (from Greek phobos, meaning "fear" or "aversion").
Historically, xenos referred to guests or outsiders in ancient Greek society, often carrying ambiguous connotations of hospitality and suspicion. The suffix -phobia was later adopted in scientific and psychological contexts to denote irrational fears. The fusion of these morphemes in the 19th century created "xenophobia," reflecting societal anxieties about cultural outsiders.
Xenophobia often stems from ignorance about other cultures.
The politician's speech was criticized for fueling xenophobia.
Educational programs can help reduce xenophobia in communities.
Xenophobia has led to discriminatory policies in some countries.
Immigrants sometimes face xenophobia when moving to a new place.