xenophobic
adj.adj. showing a strong dislike or fear of people from other countries.
adj. characterised by an intense or irrational dislike or fear of people from other countries. Often used to describe political rhetoric, social attitudes, or specific legislative policies.
The politician was criticized for his xenophobic comments about immigrants.
Human rights groups warned that the new border policy could encourage xenophobic attacks against foreign workers.
Sociologists argue that xenophobic sentiments often intensify during economic downturns as local populations seek scapegoats for their financial anxieties.
From xeno- + -phobic, from Ancient Greek ξένος (xénos, “foreign, strange”) + φόβος (phóbos, “fear”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Typically used to describe people, attitudes, or policies; often appears after linking verbs like 'become' or 'remain'.
Last updated May 9, 2026