What does homophobic mean?
Homophobic is an adjective describing prejudice, hostility, or discriminatory conduct directed toward gay people. It can also function as a noun, though this use is less common and is usually adjectival, as in “a homophobic politician” or “a homophobic incident.” The word is used especially in discussions of public speech, education, workplace discrimination, violence, and social attitudes. Unlike more neutral descriptions such as “anti-gay,” the term signals that the attitude being described is hostile and prejudicial. It should not be used merely to describe disagreement about sexuality, family, religion, or social policy without reference to prejudice or discrimination. As a noun, “homophobia” names the prejudice itself, while “homophobe” names a person who expresses it. The word is widely used in British and American English.
Having or expressing prejudice, hostility, or discrimination toward gay people.
"The school took action against the homophobic remarks."
Commonly used before conduct, attitudes, language, abuse, or violence.
A person who expresses prejudice or hostility toward gay people.
"The article described him as a homophobic commentator."
This noun use is less frequent than the adjective use and is often attributive.
Plural is possible in the noun sense but is uncommon; plural wording such as “homophobic people” is usually clearer and more natural.
"The organisation challenged the views of several homophobics."
Calling someone homophobic identifies prejudice, not a legitimate disagreement or a different view of the world.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of homophobic
The word combines the combining form “homo-,” ultimately from Greek hṓmos, “same,” with the suffix “-phobic,” from Greek phóbos, “fear.” In the modern sense it developed alongside the older word “homosexual” and the later formation “homophobia.” Its etymological connection to “same” does not determine its present meaning, which is specifically associated with prejudice toward gay people.
Related word forms
How homophobic is actually used
The term is strongly critical and is used in political, social, and legal contexts. It should be applied to prejudice, hostility, or discriminatory conduct rather than treated as a substitute for a detailed explanation of a person's views.
Easily confused with homophobic
Homophobic is usually an adjective describing prejudiced attitudes or behaviour, whereas homophobe is a noun for a person who displays such prejudice.
Homophobic describes an attitude, statement, or act, while homophobia names the broader prejudice or hostility toward gay people.