[Lumberjack]

That definition is incorrect Veronica. I've other dictionaries that state the exact phrase that I've quoted in my original post. Besides, I happen to have studied history, and can tell you that all Semitic people are supposedly the descendents of Shem (which includes both Arabs and Jews), hence the source of the word Semite (Shem/Sem). What you give is the "common" usage of the word, much in the same way people say "Kleenex" when they mean any facial tissue.

Yeah, there I go again, expecting words to have meaning.

[veronica]

So I post a definition from a credible dictionary, you claim to have seen others but do not post them. Uh huh.

[Dixielander]

"What you give is the "common" usage of the word, much in the same way people say "Kleenex" when they mean any facial tissue. "

Or "Jello" for gelatin, "ghetto" for slum, "African-American" for Negro, etc.

[Cachelot]

That definition is incorrect Veronica. I've other dictionaries

I wasn't gonna start chewing on something new today, cause I've had an uncommonly good day so far and am in a happy mood. But his I gotta hear. What dictionary is it that takes your position on this, and tells you that Webster is wrong?? Please cite at least title, and preferrably publisher and editor/author whatever. Think you can do that?

[DallasDeb]

I happen to have studied history, and can tell you that all Semitic people are supposedly the descendents of Shem (which includes both Arabs and Jews),

No one is arguing the point that Arabs are also semitic; however, the context of "anti-semitism" is JEWISH semites.

[Melas]

Now you understand why English is often a difficult language for others to master. The literal definitions of the word roots (in this case semite) often have nothing to do with the actual meaning of the word itself. In this case antisemitism means speficially: 1. Hostility toward or prejudice against Jews or Judaism. 2. Discrimination against Jews. It does not mean a general prejudice towards all semites. Now, if you think this was fun, we can deconstruct the term "Aryan Race" and how far removed it is from the literal meanings of both Aryan and Race.