Definition

1. Noun:

   • A person who holds prejudice against, discriminates against, or is hostile toward Jewish people: An anti-Semite is someone who harbors hatred or antagonism toward Jews, often based on stereotypes, and may support or engage in discrimination or persecution.

2. Adjective:

   • Characterized by or showing prejudice or hostility against Jewish people: When used as an adjective, "anti-Semite" describes actions, policies, or sentiments that are discriminatory or antagonistic toward Jews. (Note: The more common adjectival form is "anti-Semitic.")

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The historian wrote about the notorious anti-Semite and his influence on pre-war politics.
  • It is important to condemn the rhetoric of an anti-Semite.

• Adjective:

  • The group was accused of spreading anti-Semite propaganda. (Note: "anti-Semitic propaganda" is the more standard phrasing.)
  • He was known for his anti-Semite views.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in historical, political, and sociological contexts to analyze and describe bigotry, hate speech, and systemic discrimination.
• It is crucial to distinguish between criticism of the policies of the state of Israel and anti-Semitism; the former is a political stance, while the latter is prejudice against Jewish people as a group.

Variants and Related Words

• Anti-Semitic (adjective): The standard and more frequently used adjective form.
  • Anti-Semitic tropes have been used for centuries.
• Anti-Semitism (noun): The belief system, prejudice, or discrimination itself.
  • The fight against anti-Semitism is ongoing.

Synonyms

• Noun: Jew-hater, bigot (specifically against Jews).
• Adjective: Prejudiced (against Jews), intolerant (toward Jews).

Related Phrases and Idioms

• To be accused of being an anti-Semite: To be charged with holding or expressing anti-Jewish prejudice.
  • The commentator was accused of being an anti-Semite after his controversial remarks.
• To harbor anti-Semite sentiments: To hold hidden or unexpressed prejudices against Jewish people.
  • The investigation revealed that he had long harbored anti-Semite sentiments.

Noun

1. someone who hates and would persecute Jews

Adjective

1. discriminatory especially on the basis of race or religion