Word of the day: Xenophobic

Xenophobic describes a person, attitude, or behavior that shows fear, dislike, or prejudice toward people from other countries or cultures. In simple terms, it refers to hostility or suspicion toward foreigners or outsiders.

The word is commonly used, especially in discussions about politics, society, immigration, and cultural relations. It is often used to describe actions, policies, or beliefs that treat people unfairly simply because they come from a different place.

When someone is described as xenophobic, it usually means they strongly distrust or reject people who are seen as “foreign” or different from their own group. For example, a xenophobic attitude might involve believing that outsiders are a threat or that they should not be welcomed in a community.


The word has a negative tone, because it refers to prejudice and intolerance rather than understanding or acceptance.

Part of speech: Adjective

Origin/Etymology: The word comes from two Greek roots, xenos, meaning “stranger” or “foreigner,” and phobos, meaning “fear.” Together, they form the idea of “fear of strangers.”

Example sentences:

• Some critics described the politician’s comments about immigrants as xenophobic.
  
• The film explores how xenophobic attitudes can divide communities.
  

In real-life conversations and writing, xenophobic is often used in news reports, political debates, and social commentary to discuss discrimination or hostility toward immigrants or people from different cultures. It helps describe attitudes that create division or exclusion.

In short, xenophobic means showing fear or dislike of people from other countries or cultures. It is a commonly used word with a negative meaning, often used to discuss prejudice, intolerance, and social attitudes toward outsiders.