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

• Islamophobic adjective

Etymology

Origin of Islamophobia

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

Example Sentences

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

In recent months he has made a point of vocally denouncing antisemitism -- as well as the Islamophobia he has suffered.

From Barron's • Nov. 5, 2025

None of this is to say Islamophobia in U.S. politics will magically vanish overnight if Mamdani wins.

From Slate • Oct. 29, 2025