Xenophobia means fear of strangers or the unknown and comes from the Greek ξενοφοβια, xenophobia, literally meaning "fear of the strange". It is often used to describe fear of or dislike of foreigners, but racism in general is sometimes described as a form of xenophobia, as are such prejudices as homophobia. The word xenophobic is often used as a political insult against racists, isolationists, and nationalists.
