We　propose　a　scheme　for　generating　a　χ-type　four-atom　entangled　state　in　cavity　QED.　In　the　present　scheme,　the　atoms　interact　simultaneously　with　a　highly　detuned　cavity　mode　with　the　assistance　of　a　strong　classical　field.　The　scheme　is　insensitive　to　the　cavity　decay　and　the　thermal　field,　which　is　of　importance　from　the　experimental　point　of　view.　©　2010　Chinese　Physical　Society　and　IOP　Publishing　Ltd.