Is 'homophobe' only used for men?

No, it can refer to a person of any gender who holds homophobic views.

Can 'homophobe' be used as an adjective?

No, the correct adjective is 'homophobic'. 'Homophobe' is exclusively a noun.

What is the difference between a 'homophobe' and someone who is just religious?

The term 'homophobe' specifically denotes prejudice or hatred. Holding religious beliefs does not automatically make someone a homophobe; it is defined by the expression of discriminatory attitudes or actions.

Is it a formal or informal word?

It is used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is always a direct and charged term, not a euphemism.

How do you pronounce “homophobe”?

Homophobe: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhɒm.ə.fəʊb/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhoʊ.mə.foʊb/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

homophobe: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

UK/ˈhɒm.ə.fəʊb/US/ˈhoʊ.mə.foʊb/

Formal/Informal (It is used in serious discourse, activism, journalism, and everyday conversation to describe prejudice.)

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Quick answer

What does “homophobe” mean?

A person who has an intense dislike of or prejudice against gay people.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A person who has an intense dislike of or prejudice against gay people.

A term for a person who fears, dislikes, hates, or is prejudiced against homosexual individuals or homosexuality, often manifested through discrimination, hostility, or aversion.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant difference in definition or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.

Connotations

Equally strong negative connotations in both varieties. It is a direct label for a discriminatory attitude.

Frequency

Comparably frequent in sociopolitical, journalistic, and activist discourse in both regions.

Grammar

How to Use “homophobe” in a Sentence

[be/label/call/accuse] + someone + a homophobehomophobe + [verb: believes/says/argues]article/determiner (a/the/an outspoken) + homophobe

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

outspoken homophobevirulent homophobenotorious homophobeblatant homophobe

medium

accused of being a homophobecalled a homophobeknown homophobehomophobe and a racist

weak

some homophobetrue homophobehomophobe politician

Examples

Examples of “homophobe” in a Sentence

adjective

British English

His homophobic remarks were condemned by the party leadership.
The paper was accused of publishing homophobic content.

American English

His homophobic comments were condemned by party leaders.
The newspaper was accused of running homophobic content.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Used in HR/DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) contexts regarding workplace discrimination policies.

Academic

Used in sociology, psychology, gender studies, and political science to analyze prejudice.

Everyday

Used in conversations about social attitudes, rights, and personal experiences of discrimination.

Technical

Not a technical term per se, but a standard label in sociopolitical and activist discourse.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “homophobe”

Strong

bigot (in context)heterosexist

Neutral

anti-gay personsomeone with homophobia

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “homophobe”

LGBTQ+ allysupporter advocateinclusivist

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “homophobe”

Misspelling as 'homophone' (a word sounding the same).
Using it as an adjective (incorrect: 'He is very homophobe.' Correct: 'He is very homophobic.').

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: No, it can refer to a person of any gender who holds homophobic views.
: No, the correct adjective is 'homophobic'. 'Homophobe' is exclusively a noun.
: The term 'homophobe' specifically denotes prejudice or hatred. Holding religious beliefs does not automatically make someone a homophobe; it is defined by the expression of discriminatory attitudes or actions.
: It is used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is always a direct and charged term, not a euphemism.
: A person who has an intense dislike of or prejudice against gay people.
: Homophobe: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhɒm.ə.fəʊb/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhoʊ.mə.foʊb/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“(There's) no room for homophobes here.”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think: 'HOMO' (same, as in homosexual) + 'PHOBE' (one who fears). A homophobe fears 'same-sex' attraction.

Conceptual Metaphor

PREJUDICE IS A DISEASE / FEAR (The '-phobe' suffix frames the attitude as an irrational sickness or fear).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

After his intolerant speech, many protesters called him a blatant .

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is the correct adjective form related to 'homophobe'?