What is the definition of xenophobia?

The definition of xenophobia is specifically characterized as the fear of foreigners or anything perceived as foreign. This phenomenon often manifests in attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors that are negative towards individuals from other countries or cultural backgrounds. It can lead to discrimination, prejudice, and social tension. Xenophobia can arise from various factors, including cultural differences, economic competition, or historical conflicts, and it plays a significant role in shaping national policies and social interactions in diverse societies.

In contrast, the other options refer to different types of fears: fear of change relates to resistance against new situations, fear of the unknown encompasses anxiety about unfamiliar circumstances, and fear of the future is a broader panic stemming from uncertainties about what is yet to come. Each of these options captures an aspect of human anxiety but does not specifically address the societal implications and reactions associated with xenophobia.