homophobia

noun

ho·​mo·​pho·​bia ˌhō-mə-ˈfō-bē-ə 

: discrimination against, aversion to, or fear of homosexuality or gay people compare transphobia

homophobic

ˌhō-mə-ˈfō-bik 

adjective

Examples of homophobia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The riotous 640-page doorstopper grapples with homophobia then and now, the lingering specter of colonialism, the tumult of the AIDS crisis, and frameworks of power that demand dominance or submission. — Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026

Following Tuesday’s inquest, Metropolitan Police said that an internal review had found failings in its investigation into Heklina’s death but disputed claims that homophobia played a part in how its investigation was handled. — Luke Chinman, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2026

There is little doubt that the gerbil rumor was a form of homophobia. — Allen Salkin, HollywoodReporter, 14 Sep. 2026

The forensic expert starts to piece together the young men’s relationship and the circumstances that brought them to that fateful day, revealing a story shaped by abuse, homophobia, social alienation and despair. — Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 8 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1964, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for homophobia

• rhizobia
• agoraphobia
• claustrophobia
• hydrophobia
• photophobia
• xenophobia
• phobia

Kids Definition

homophobia

noun

ho·​mo·​pho·​bia ˌhō-mə-ˈfō-bē-ə 

: irrational fear or dislike of or prejudice against homosexuality or gay people

homophobic

-ˈfō-bik 

adjective