Antisemitism is prejudice, hatred or discrimination against Jews as a people or individuals. It can take many forms including verbal and physical attacks, harassment, vandalism, boycotts, economic discrimination, and exclusion from society. The term comes from the Latin phrase "contra Semitam," meaning against the descendants of Shem, one of Noah's sons. It is often used to describe negative attitudes or actions towards Jews, but can also be applied to other groups such as Arabs who are also considered Semites.