homophobia

noun

ho·​mo·​pho·​bia ˌhō-mə-ˈfō-bē-ə How to pronounce homophobia (audio)
: discrimination against, aversion to, or fear of homosexuality or gay people compare transphobia
homophobic adjective

Examples of homophobia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Jesse McClary and Allie Leepson for NBC News Despite ongoing struggles in those early years with homophobia from venue owners and ranchers, the gay rodeo circuit continued to grow. Jo Yurcaba, NBC news, 15 Oct. 2025 Instead of sticking the boot into military homophobia, the show initially seems determined to tiptoe around it. Jon O'Brien, IndieWire, 10 Oct. 2025 Advertisement As Abbott got older, the shame associated with homophobia was a defining feature of life, even in San Francisco. Barry Levitt, Time, 7 Oct. 2025 Leaving behind a childhood marked by abuse, neglect, and homophobia, Shane set out for New York City. John J. Lennon, Rolling Stone, 23 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for homophobia

Word History

First Known Use

1964, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of homophobia was in 1964

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Homophobia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/homophobia. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

homophobia

noun
ho·​mo·​pho·​bia ˌhō-mə-ˈfō-bē-ə How to pronounce homophobia (audio)
: irrational fear or dislike of or prejudice against homosexuality or gay people
homophobic adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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