Islamophobia

American  

[is-lah-muh-foh-bee-uh, iz‐] / ɪsˌlɑ məˈfoʊ bi ə, ɪz‐ /

noun

1. an aversion or hostility to, disdain for, or fear of Islam or Muslims.

   The graffiti and other property damage at the mosque was motivated by Islamophobia.

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Islamophobia British  

/ ˌɪzlɑːməˈfəʊbɪə /

noun

1. hatred or fear of Muslims or of their politics or culture

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Sensitive Note

See homophobia.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• Islamophobic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of Islamophobia

First recorded in 1920–25; Islam ( def. ) + -o- ( def. ) + -phobia ( def. )

Example Sentences

"Islamophobia endangers Muslim communities across this country," he posted on X, adding that New York police are boosting deployments to mosques "out of an abundance of caution."

From Barron's • May 18, 2026

When Mamdani criticized the Islamophobia driving the rally, that criticism itself became the outrage.

From Salon • Mar. 12, 2026

In December, the BBC saw a draft definition which did not include the term "Islamophobia".

From BBC • Mar. 9, 2026

“That actually turned things upside down from the Islamophobia perspective.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 19, 2025

Fateh ultimately finished in second place behind Democratic incumbent Mayor Jacob Frey, who did publicly condemn Islamophobia and the hate Fateh received.

From Slate • Nov. 25, 2025