homophobia

noun

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

Examples of homophobia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web His announcement was hailed as a watershed moment in a sport with a long and troubled history of entrenched homophobia, particularly in the men’s game. Chris Lau, CNN, 14 Mar. 2024 Some of Nyad’s defenders, including Yanagihara and Taylor-Smith, suggest that there is a undercurrent of sexism and possibly homophobia driving the criticism of her. Josh Rottenberg, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2023 Ditto with discussions and acts of homophobia; Guy’s liberated, out-and-proud lifestyle nearly a century ago is a bold and refreshing portrayal of a gay man in the early 20th century. Duante Beddingfield, Detroit Free Press, 2 Feb. 2024 Pike’s Old Fashioned Soda Shop For the old soul who loves the aesthetic of a time gone by without the bitter flavor of yesteryear’s homophobia and transphobia. Joanne Spataro, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024 Born in El Paso, the openly gay wrestler fought to earn a place in Ciudad Juarez’s lucha scene at a time plagued with rampant homophobia. Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 21 Dec. 2023 Whale reportedly lived at the Villa with his longtime partner David Lewis, despite rampant homophobia in Hollywood. Hadley Meares, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Nov. 2023 Her characters grapple with mental illness, addiction, dementia, divorce and homophobia, among other demons, and not all of these heartrending character arcs cut close enough to the bone. Karen D'souza, The Mercury News, 2 Feb. 2024 Is the feud a product of entrenched misogyny and homophobia among the thin-blooded one percent? Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 31 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'homophobia.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1964, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of homophobia was in 1964

Dictionary Entries Near homophobia

Cite this Entry

“Homophobia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/homophobia. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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 homosexuals
homophobic adjective

Medical Definition

homophobia

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