xenophobia

/,zenə'foubjə/

Thân thiện

A person feels isolated in a diverse crowd due to xenophobia.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • An intense or irrational dislike, fear, or prejudice against people from other countries or cultures: "Xenophobia" refers to a deep-seated aversion to or distrust of foreigners, strangers, or anything perceived as foreign or culturally different. It often manifests as hostility or discriminatory attitudes.

Usage

• Xenophobia is an uncountable noun. It describes a general attitude or societal phenomenon, not typically a countable instance.
• It is often discussed in contexts of sociology, politics, and human rights.
• The word carries a strong negative connotation, describing a problematic and prejudiced mindset.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The government's policies were criticized for encouraging xenophobia.
  • Rising xenophobia in the region has made immigrants feel unwelcome.
  • We must combat xenophobia and promote cultural understanding.

Advanced Usage

• "Xenophobia and nationalism": Often discussed together, where nationalism can sometimes fuel xenophobic sentiments.
  • The speech dangerously blurred the line between patriotism and xenophobia.
• "Economic xenophobia": Prejudice rooted in the belief that foreigners are taking economic opportunities.
  • The debate was tainted by arguments based on economic xenophobia.

Variants and Related Words

• Xenophobe (noun): A person who has or shows xenophobia.
  • He was labeled a xenophobe for his hostile rhetoric towards immigrants.
• Xenophobic (adjective): Having or showing xenophobia.
  • The xenophobic comments sparked widespread outrage.

Synonyms

• Chauvinism: Excessive or prejudiced loyalty or support for one's own group, nation, or cause, often with contempt for others.
• Nativism: The policy or practice of protecting the interests of native-born or established inhabitants against those of immigrants.
• Prejudice: A preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience, often against a person or group.

Antonyms

• Xenophilia: An attraction to or admiration for foreign peoples, cultures, or customs.
• Cosmopolitanism: The ideology that all human beings belong to a single community, often associated with openness to cultural diversity.

Related Phrases and Concepts

• "Fear of the other": A common phrase used to describe the psychological basis of xenophobia.
  • Xenophobia is essentially a fear of the other.
• "Scapegoating immigrants": A common action resulting from xenophobia, where immigrants are blamed for social or economic problems.
  • The politician's strategy relied on scapegoating immigrants to gain support.

Học thuật

Noun

1. a fear of foreigners or strangers