homophobia

The term is a modern coinage, constructed in the mid-20th century from Greek-derived elements. The first element, "homo-", is an abbreviation of "homosexual", which itself originates from the Greek homos (same) combined with the Latin root for "sex". The second element, "-phobia", directly from Greek phobos (fear, dread), is used metaphorically to denote not just a clinical fear but a strong societal aversion or prejudice. Thus, the literal construction "fear of the same [sex]" evolved logically into the modern abstract meaning denoting discrimination and hostility based on sexual orientation, aligning with the pattern of using "-phobia" to describe social prejudices (e.g., xenophobia).

Structure: homo (same) + phobia (fear) homo: From Greek homos meaning "same". In this compound, it is a clipping of "homosexual". phobia: From Greek phobos meaning "fear, panic, terror". It functions as a suffix forming nouns denoting an extreme or irrational fear or aversion.