anthropophobia — An abnormal and persistent fear of people or human society, often leading to avoidance of social contact.
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: An abnormal and persistent fear of people or human society, often leading to avoidance of social contact.
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌænθrəpəˈfoʊbiə/
Example Sentences
- The hermit's anthropophobia was so extreme that he built his house facing away from the only road in town.
- My cat has worse anthropophobia than I do—she hides under the bed whenever anyone besides me enters the house.
- After years of online-only meetings, some employees developed a mild form of anthropophobia when asked to return to the office.
anthropophobia
NOUN[/ˌænθrəpəˈfoʊbiə/]
An abnormal and persistent fear of people or human society, often leading to avoidance of social contact.
His anthropophobia makes even a small crowd feel unbearable.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This term derives from Ancient Greek, combining anthropos (human being) and phobos (fear), literally meaning 'fear of humans'. The word emerged in modern English as a clinical psychology term to describe an irrational fear or aversion to human contact and social interaction.
Breakdown
anthropo- (from Greek anthropos, meaning human) + -phobia (from Greek phobos, meaning fear or dread). The compound literally translates to 'human fear'.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The hermit's anthropophobia was so extreme that he built his house facing away from the only road in town.”
“My cat has worse anthropophobia than I do—she hides under the bed whenever anyone besides me enters the house.”
“After years of online-only meetings, some employees developed a mild form of anthropophobia when asked to return to the office.”
“Ironically, the therapist specializing in anthropophobia had to force herself to attend crowded conferences to promote her practice.”
📚Related Words
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