adjective

homophobic

hoh-muh-FOH-bik/ˌhəʊməˈfəʊbɪk/

Showing prejudice against gay people or same-sex attraction.

The doorman's homophobic refusal excludes the male couple while admitting a man and woman.

A doorman turns away two adult men holding hands as a male-female couple is welcomed through same entrance; rejected couple dignified, discriminatory behavior shown critically, no slogans or text.

Etymology

homoEnglishhomosexual

+phobEnglishfear or aversion

+icEnglishcharacterized by

Here homo- refers to homosexuality, so the formation describes fear of or aversion to gay people. Usage broadened toward active hostility and prejudice, rather than fear alone.

In context

Luke Ford Livestreams19:41

I say a few things that are homophobic and this guy has a brother who's gay and this guy is not homophobic but it's just a little bit of relationship sadism

The Trad Approach To The Russell Brand Allegations (9-26-23)

More examples

She challenges homophobic comments at family gatherings.
The company bans homophobic discrimination in hiring.
He recognizes that his joke was homophobic and apologizes.

Forms

homophobic

homophobia noun — Prejudice against gay people or same-sex attraction.

homophobe noun — Someone who holds prejudice against gay people.

Similar words

antigay: More directly emphasizes opposition to gay people or their rights.
prejudiced: Describes unfair judgments about any group, not just gay people.