When:
Lookups spiked on April 17, 2015.
Why:
Recent violent attacks on migrant workers in South Africa have drawn attention to anti-foreigner sentiment throughout the country, frequently referred to in press coverage as xenophobia. High unemployment among poor South Africans makes resentment of foreign workers common; they are sometimes blamed for the lack of opportunities for citizens.
Xenophobia means "fear or hatred of strangers or foreigners." It's a relatively new word, coined in the early 20th century from Greek words meaning "guest" or "foreigner" (xenos) and "fear" (phobia).
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
