homophobic
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Prejudiced against or hostile toward homosexual people: Describes a person, attitude, or action that shows an irrational fear, dislike, or prejudice against gay men, lesbians, or other individuals based on their sexual orientation.
Usage
- The adjective "homophobic" is used to describe people, beliefs, comments, policies, or actions.
- It is a strong term indicating prejudice and is often used in social, political, and psychological contexts.
- It can be used attributively (before a noun) or predicatively (after a linking verb).
Examples
- Attributive use (before a noun):
- His homophobic remarks were widely condemned.
- The country has repealed several homophobic laws.
- Predicative use (after a linking verb):
- Their parents are deeply homophobic.
- The policy is considered homophobic by human rights groups.
Advanced Usage
- Institutional/Systemic Homophobia: Refers to policies, practices, or cultures within institutions that discriminate against LGBTQ+ people.
- The report highlighted the institutional homophobia within the organization.
- Internalized Homophobia: When a person who is LGBTQ+ subconsciously accepts and is affected by societal homophobic attitudes.
- He struggled with internalized homophobia for years before coming out.
Variants and Related Words
- Homophobia (noun): The fear, hatred, or prejudice against homosexual people.
- We must fight against homophobia in all its forms.
- Homophobe (noun): A person who is homophobic.
- He was labeled a homophobe for his discriminatory views.
Synonyms
- Anti-gay: Opposed to or prejudiced against gay people. (Note: "Homophobic" is a broader and more commonly used term in academic and social discourse.)
- Bigoted (general): Having strong, unreasonable beliefs and disliking other people who have different beliefs or a different way of life. (This is a more general term that can include homophobia.)
Antonyms
- LGBTQ+-affirming: Supporting and validating LGBTQ+ people.
- Tolerant: Willing to accept beliefs or behaviors that are different from one's own.
- Inclusive: Seeking to include and not exclude people, especially those who might otherwise be marginalized.
Related Phrases and Idioms
- "Homophobic bullying": Bullying targeted at someone because of their perceived or actual sexual orientation.
- The school implemented a strict policy against homophobic bullying.
- "To be accused of homophobia": To be charged with holding or expressing homophobic views.
- The politician was accused of homophobia after voting against the equality bill.
Adjective
- prejudiced against homosexual people