xenophobic

American  

[zen-uh-foh-bik, zee-nuh‑] / ˌzɛn əˈfoʊ bɪk, ˌzi nə‑ /

adjective

1. relating to or exhibiting fear or hatred of foreigners, people from different cultures, or strangers.

2. relating to or exhibiting fear or dislike of the customs, dress, etc., of people who are culturally different.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• xenophobically
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of xenophobic

First recorded in 1910–15; xenophob(ia) + -ic

Explanation

Someone who is xenophobic is abnormally hostile toward foreigners. If you don't want any foreign people in your town, then you're xenophobic. Xenophobic comes from the Greek and literally means "fear of strangers," although when we talk about someone who is xenophobic, we're talking about someone who has converted fear into hatred or contempt. Sometimes people who discriminate against foreigners or feel very strongly that no one should be allowed to immigrate to their country are also called xenophobic.

Related Words

• biased
• bigoted
• dictatorial
• disdainful
• dogmatic
• fanatical
• fractious
• hateful
• indignant
• irritable
• racist