antisemitism

American  

[an-tee-sem-i-tiz-uhm, an-tahy-] / ˌæn tiˈsɛm ɪˌtɪz əm, ˌæn taɪ- /

Or anti-Semitism

noun

1. discrimination against or prejudice or hostility toward Jews.

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Spelling

The closed and lowercase spelling antisemitism is now the preferred form. Jewish groups have long preferred the single word spelling, and many style guides, including those of major publications, have also adopted it. While Semitic is a current linguistic term for a subfamily of Afroasiatic languages including Akkadian, Arabic, Aramaic, Ethiopic, Hebrew, and Phoenician, the spelling anti-Semite falsely implies prejudice against all of the diverse groups of people who speak any of these languages. However, that is not how antisemite is used. Rather, the “Semite” in antisemitism is a euphemism for “Jew,” meant to lend a scientific air to the racial grouping of all Jewish peoples based on an outdated pseudoscience of race.

Etymology

Origin of antisemitism

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

BBC Newsbeat has approached the Wireless organisers for a comment on the claims of antisemitism against Ye.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

And unlike previous eras of antisemitism, social media has given them platforms to reach millions, she added.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

In his role, Fulop said he would press city officials on public safety, homeless encampments and antisemitism.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026

We must confront the causal factors of antisemitism honestly and address antisemitism where it is most common and most virulent.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 24, 2026

There was a wave of antisemitism in France, and antisemitic newspapers whipped readers into a hysteria.

From "The Mona Lisa Vanishes" by Nicholas Day