xenophobes - Master This Word
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xenophobes Word Meanings
- a person who dislikes or prejudices against people from other countries
- someone who is afraid of strangers or foreigners
- a person exhibiting xenophobia
xenophobes Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
xenophobes Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈzɛnəfəʊb/
US
/ˈzɛnəfoʊb/
xenophobes Word Etymology
xeno- = foreign + phobe = one who fears. Origin: Greek → Latin → English. Imagine a person recoiling in fear at the sight of a stranger, representing a deeper cultural fear of the unknown.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Xenophobe is a noun for a person who dislikes or distrusts people from other countries or cultures, or who harbors prejudice toward strangers. In English, it labels a person rather than a belief; you might say 'She is a xenophobe' rather than 'She has xenophobia' when referring to behavior. The term can imply both fear and hostility, and it is often used in discussions of immigration, nationalism, or cultural isolation. It is not a clinical diagnosis; it conveys social judgment about attitudes rather than a medical condition. Xenophobia is the broader phenomenon, while a xenophobe is one specific adversarial actor. The tone tends to be strong and occasionally pejorative in media commentary.
Usage Reminders
- Xenophobe describes a person, not the feeling.
- Use with care; it can be pejorative.
- Often paired with 'is' (She is a xenophobe) rather than 'has'.
- Xenophobia is the broader phenomenon.
- Be precise about context (immigration, prejudice, or nationalism).
Common Misconceptions
- Xenophobe refers to a fear of foreigners only, not prejudice.
- Xenophobe is a diagnosis or medical term.
- All foreigners are xenophobes.
- Xenophobe and xenophobia mean the same thing in every context.
- The word can be used to insult groups rather than individuals.
Thinking Differences
Xenophobia in English highlights a social fear or prejudice toward outsiders; learners often assume it only means 'fear of foreigners' and apply it to vague situations. The term xenophobe, however, is specific to a person and carries a sharper, sometimes accusatory tone. Remember that many cultures frame strangers as potential threats differently, so context matters to avoid stereotyping groups rather than individuals.
Learning Tips
- Notice the person vs feeling: a xenophobe is a person.
- Differentiate xenophobe from xenophobia in definition and usage.
- Use examples to show attitude, not everyone who is wary.
- Be mindful of tone when describing someone publicly.
- Check whether the sentence targets a group or an individual.
- Practice plural: xenophobes when referring to multiple people.
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