homophobia

[ hoh-muh-foh-bee-uh ]

noun

1. an aversion or hostility to, disdain for, or fear of gay sexual orientation or gay people.

homophobia

/ ˌhəʊməʊˈfəʊbɪə /

noun

1. intense hatred or fear of homosexuals or homosexuality

Sensitive Note

The combining form -phobia is used in some words that describe intolerance toward a group of people as defined by nationality, ancestry, sexual identity or orientation, creed, or race: homophobia , Islamophobia , transphobia . Though there is an element of fear when interacting with the unknown or the Other, words in this category are not primarily about anxiety; rather, these terms are commonly associated with hatred or disgust. The use of -phobia words to indicate hostility toward groups of people is therefore frequently criticized. Advocates and activists representing these groups recommend using the prefix anti- instead, in words such as antigay , anti-Islam , antitrans .

Derived Forms

• ˌhomoˈphobic, adjective
• ˈhomoˌphobe, noun

Other Words From

• ho·mo·pho·bic adjective noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of homophobia¹

First recorded in 1960–65; homo(sexual) + -phobia; popularized by the American psychologist George Weinberg (1929–2017); an earlier sense “fear of men or humankind” was first recorded in the 1920s, from Latin homō “man, human being” + -phobia

Word History and Origins

Origin of homophobia¹

C20: from homo ( sexual ) + -phobia

Example Sentences

It’s an eye-opening read that offers unique insights on homophobia in professional sports.

From Washington Blade

Coel wrote and starred in the series, which stares unflinchingly at issues like sexism, racism and homophobia and yet manages to be spellbinding and entertaining.

From Time

However, history has shown us in a very hard way that public policies and laws are just worthless piece of papers when you have a systematic evil in your society, like racism, homophobia and machismo.

From Washington Blade

They face race bias along with severe homophobia in their own community.

From Washington Blade

Though the island nation was moving toward greater liberties at that time, homophobia was widespread and this film is based on true events.

From Washington Blade

Today is the International Day Against Homophobia (and Transphobia).

From The Daily Beast

Homophobia and fear of, like you said, the “other,” really stems from a fear of the unknown.

From The Daily Beast

Homophobia and bigotry are unfortunately nothing new in the realm of politics.

From The Daily Beast

Homophobia is rooted elsewhere, but comes with a theological sanction.

From The Daily Beast