xenophobe

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A person who dislikes or fears people from other countries: A "xenophobe" is an individual who holds an intense aversion or irrational fear of foreigners, strangers, or anything perceived as foreign or unfamiliar.
Usage Examples
  • (A person who dislikes foreigners.)
  • (People with irrational fear of foreigners.)
  • (Someone who avoids foreign people or things.)
Advanced Usage

  • "to be a xenophobe at heart": to have a deep-seated tendency to fear or dislike foreigners.

    • Even though he tried to hide it, he was a xenophobe at heart, distrusting anyone with a different accent. (His core attitude was one of fear toward outsiders.)

  • "xenophobe rhetoric": speech that intentionally stirs fear or hatred of foreigners.

    • The media criticized the leader's xenophobe rhetoric, which incited violence against minority groups. (Language designed to promote xenophobia.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Xenophobic (adj): characterized by or exhibiting fear or dislike of foreigners.

    • The xenophobic policies of the government restricted immigration severely. (Policies based on fear of outsiders.)

  • Xenophobia (n): the fear or hatred of foreigners or strangers.

    • Rising xenophobia in the region led to increased discrimination against refugees. (The general attitude of fearing foreigners.)
Synonyms
  • Bigot: a person who is intolerant of those holding different opinions or of other races, religions, or nationalities.
    • The bigot refused to hire anyone from a different background. (Similar to xenophobe but broader.)
  • Nationalist: a person who strongly identifies with their own nation and often views other nations as inferior.
    • The nationalist's views bordered on xenophobe when he demanded all foreigners leave. (Often overlaps with xenophobia.)
  • Isolationist: a person who believes a country should avoid involvement in foreign affairs.
    • The isolationist politician was accused of being a xenophobe for opposing trade with other countries. (A political stance that can stem from xenophobia.)
Related Idioms

  • "Build a wall": a metaphorical expression for creating barriers to keep foreigners out, often used by xenophobes.

    • The xenophobe's solution to every problem was to build a wall around the country. (A symbolic act of exclusion.)

  • "Us vs. them": a mindset that divides people into a favored group and an outsider group, common among xenophobes.

    • His xenophobe speeches relied on an "us vs. them" narrative to rally supporters. (Creating opposition between natives and foreigners.)