Word
homophobia
Meanings
Dislike of, prejudice against, or fear of gay people or homosexuality.
Discriminatory behavior, speech, or policies directed at people because they are gay.
Definition
Homophobia is dislike of, prejudice against, or fear of gay people or homosexuality.
Homophobia refers to negative attitudes or feelings—such as fear, hostility, or prejudice—toward gay people or homosexuality. It can show up in personal beliefs, everyday language, or behavior toward others. It also describes broader social or institutional discrimination that targets people because of their sexual orientation.
Examples
- The documentary examines how homophobia shaped public debate and everyday interactions in the 1990s.
- She challenged homophobia in her workplace by calling out biased jokes and insisting on respectful language.
- They realized their comment reinforced homophobia, so they apologized and rephrased what they meant.
- I learned to recognize subtle homophobia in casual conversations, not just in overt insults.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes use homophobia to mean any dislike of LGBTQ+ people, but it specifically refers to prejudice or fear related to gay people or homosexuality.
More at C1 level
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