WordGarden.iohomophobia
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /hˌɒməfˈəʊbiə/
US
- /ˌhoʊməˈfoʊbiə/
Meanings
Noun
prejudice, hostility, or discrimination against gay people or homosexuality
Beyond the definition
This word is not usually about literal fear alone. It commonly refers to dislike, prejudice, or unfair treatment aimed at gay people, lesbians, or people thought to be gay. In everyday life, it can show up in rude jokes, insults, rejection by family or friends, bullying, or unequal treatment at school, work, or in public life.
Even though the word ends in "phobia," it often describes hostility or bias more than fear. People also sometimes use it in a wider way when talking about prejudice against same-sex relationships in general. In simple terms, it is a harmful attitude or behavior that targets people because of their sexual orientation.
Homophobia refers to negative attitudes, prejudice, hostility, or discrimination toward gay people, lesbians, or people seen as being gay. Although the word may sound like it means a simple fear, in real use it usually describes bias, rejection, or hatred rather than a medical phobia. It can range from quiet disapproval and hurtful comments to open exclusion, harassment, or violence.
The idea can appear in personal behavior, social customs, and larger systems. A person might use slurs, mock same-sex relationships, or treat someone unfairly after learning about their sexual orientation. A family might reject a loved one. A school, workplace, or government might allow rules or practices that deny equal treatment or make people feel unsafe. Because of this, the word can describe both individual actions and broader patterns in society.
The term is most closely connected with prejudice against gay people and same-sex attraction. In casual speech, however, some people use it more broadly when discussing anti-LGBTQ+ bias. In more exact use, related words such as "biphobia" and "transphobia" may be better for prejudice aimed specifically at bisexual or transgender people. Overall, the word describes a harmful way of thinking or acting that targets people for being, or seeming to be, attracted to the same sex.
Examples
- 1
School campaign
The school started a campaign to reduce homophobia among students.
- 2
Workplace safety
Casual homophobia in the workplace can make people feel unsafe.
- 3
Football
Many players have spoken out against homophobia in football.
- Patternspeak out against + issue
publicly criticize it
- 4
Public accusation
She accused the host of homophobia after his comments on air.
- Patternaccuse someone of + wrongdoing
say they have done something wrong
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Policy report
The report said some of these rules were rooted in homophobia rather than safety concerns.
- Patternbe rooted in + cause
be mainly caused by it
See also
Similar
- anti-gay prejudice
- anti-gay bias
- hostility toward gay people
Shades of meaning
- homonegativity
- heterosexism
Contrast
- acceptance
- allyship
Used with (collocations)
- internalized homophobia
- casual homophobia
- combat homophobia
Word family
- homophobic
- homophobe
Explore
- anti-LGBTQ bias
- transphobia
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- homophobianoun