Antiforeign

/ˌæntiːˈfɔːrən/ adjective

Definition

Opposed to or hostile toward foreign people, countries, goods, or influences; expressing or promoting xenophobia.

Etymology

From anti- + foreign (from Old French forein, meaning 'outside'). The term became more common in the 19th-20th centuries as nations industrialized and international trade increased, prompting reactionary attitudes.

Kelly Says

Antiforeign movements pop up whenever people feel economically threatened—it's a pattern so consistent that historians can almost predict when they'll emerge based on recession timing.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.