homophobia

[ hoh-muh-foh-bee-uh ]

noun

an aversion or hostility to, disdain for, or fear of gay sexual orientation or gay people.

Origin of homophobia

First recorded in 1960–65; homo(sexual) + -phobia; popularized by the American psychologist George Weinberg (1929–2017); an earlier sense “fear of men or humankind” was first recorded in the 1920s, from Latin homō “man, human being” + -phobia

usage note For homophobia

The combining form -phobia is used in some words that describe intolerance toward a group of people as defined by nationality, ancestry, sexual identity or orientation, creed, or race: homophobia , Islamophobia , transphobia . Though there is an element of fear when interacting with the unknown or the Other, words in this category are not primarily about anxiety; rather, these terms are commonly associated with hatred or disgust. The use of -phobia words to indicate hostility toward groups of people is therefore frequently criticized. Advocates and activists representing these groups recommend using the prefix anti- instead, in words such as antigay , anti-Islam , antitrans .

Other words from homophobia

ho·mo·pho·bic, adjective, noun

Words Nearby homophobia

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use homophobia in a sentence

It’s an eye-opening read that offers unique insights on homophobia in professional sports.
Thank you, Kordell Stewart, for thoughtful response to ‘the rumor’ | Kevin Naff | February 5, 2021 | Washington Blade
Coel wrote and starred in the series, which stares unflinchingly at issues like sexism, racism and homophobia and yet manages to be spellbinding and entertaining.
The 11 Weirdest Golden Globe Nominations—And What Should Have Been Nominated Instead | Eliana Dockterman | February 3, 2021 | Time
However, history has shown us in a very hard way that public policies and laws are just worthless piece of papers when you have a systematic evil in your society, like racism, homophobia and machismo.
Puerto Rico: Number one in hate crimes | Alberto J. Valentín | February 2, 2021 | Washington Blade
They face race bias along with severe homophobia in their own community.
Time for GOP to open up to LGBTQ Americans | James Driscoll | January 28, 2021 | Washington Blade
Though the island nation was moving toward greater liberties at that time, homophobia was widespread and this film is based on true events.
Watch party for LGBTQ Taiwanese film Jan. 16 | Philip Van Slooten | January 12, 2021 | Washington Blade

Today is the International Day Against homophobia (and Transphobia).
Americans Celebrating Our LGBT Victories Need To Be More Cognizant That Elsewhere, Repression Is Winning | Jay Michaelson | May 17, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
homophobia and fear of, like you said, the “other,” really stems from a fear of the unknown.
John Lithgow on the Sundance Film ‘Love Is Strange’ and Gay Rights in Utah | Marlow Stern | January 20, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
homophobia and bigotry are unfortunately nothing new in the realm of politics.
Stop the Gay-Bashing, GOP | Meghan McCain | October 14, 2010 | THE DAILY BEAST
homophobia is rooted elsewhere, but comes with a theological sanction.
The Christian Anti-Gay Campaign | James Carroll | January 11, 2010 | THE DAILY BEAST

British Dictionary definitions for homophobia

homophobia

/ (ˌhəʊməʊˈfəʊbɪə) /

noun

intense hatred or fear of homosexuals or homosexuality

Origin of homophobia

C20: from homo (sexual) + -phobia

Derived forms of homophobia

homophobe, noun
homophobic, adjective

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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