Skip to main content
heterophobia

heterophobia

9.9
Strong dislike or fear of people from other groups
  • noun
  • /ˌhɛtəroʊˈfoʊbiə/
: xenofobia
  • Some communities struggle with heterophobia when faced with unfamiliar cultures.

Examples

  • Many people experience heterophobia without realizing it.

  • Educational programs aim to reduce heterophobia by promoting understanding and acceptance.

  • The psychologist discussed the impact of heterophobia on social integration.

  • The rise of heterophobia is concerning in today's society.

  • His constant criticism of different cultures revealed a deep-seated heterophobia that affected his relationships with others.

  • She realized that her heterophobia stemmed from her negative experiences in a predominantly homogenous community.

  • The documentary highlighted how heterophobia can manifest in subtle ways, creating barriers between people from diverse backgrounds.

Synonyms

bigotry
vsheterophobia
  • NSFW
89 7.0

An unfair dislike of people from other groups like different races or religions

is fear or strong dislike of different or unfamiliar people or things
intolerance
vsheterophobia
49 4.6

Not willing to accept small annoyances or people with different views

is an emotional fear or strong dislike of unfamiliar people or things
aversion
vsheterophobia
38 6.5

A strong dislike of something or someone

is specifically a fear or strong dislike of different or unfamiliar people or things
neophobia
vsheterophobia
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A strong fear of new or unknown things

is a general fear or dislike of unfamiliar things without extreme or irrational nature

Antonyms

172 3.7

Willingness to accept beliefs or lifestyles different from your own

106 2.9

Willingness to be friendly to people and ideas that are different

How Hostile

hostility
120 4.7
prejudice
184 4.8
aversion
38 6.5
heterophobia
9.9
dislike
  • Texting
50 1.0
unease
21 4.4
tolerance
172 3.7

Surface Forms

heterophobia singular
heterophobias plural

Morphology

heterophobia = phobia (transparent) = hetero + phobia

Built directly from 'hetero-' (different/other) + 'phobia' (fear), the meaning 'fear of difference' is a straightforward combination of the parts.

Etymology

Heterophobia comes from Greek parts hetero- meaning 'other' or 'different' and -phobia meaning 'fear', the same -phobia in claustrophobia. So, heterophobia can mean a fear or strong dislike of people or things that are different or unfamiliar.