anti-American
UK[ˌænti əˈmerɪkən]US[ˌænti əˈmerɪkən, ˌæntaɪ-]
adj
Opposed to or hostile toward the United States, its people, its policies, or its culture.
n
A person who is opposed to or hostile toward the United States, its people, its policies, or its culture.
Morpheme Breakdown
anti
American
anti
against
American
of the United States
Etymology
The word is a modern English compound formed by directly combining the Greek-derived prefix anti- with the proper adjective American. The prefix anti-, with its core meaning of "opposite" or "against," has been productively used in English since the 17th century to form words denoting opposition. When attached to American, it creates a precise term for ideological or political opposition directed specifically at the United States, its interests, or its values. This formation follows a common pattern in English for creating terms of political or cultural critique, such as anti-war or anti-establishment.
Analysis
Structure: anti (against) + American (of the United States)
- anti: From Greek anti meaning "against, opposite, instead of". In this word, it functions as a prefix indicating opposition.
- American: From the name America, derived from the Latinized name of explorer Amerigo Vespucci, with the English adjectival suffix -an meaning "belonging to or relating to". In this word, it functions as the root specifying the object of opposition.
Examples
The politician was accused of making anti-American statements during the speech.
The film was criticized in some quarters for its perceived anti-American sentiment.
He rejected the label of being an anti-American, arguing he was merely critical of specific foreign policies.