phobia — an extreme or irrational fear of or aversion to something
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: an extreme or irrational fear of or aversion to something
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈfoʊbiə/
Example Sentences
- His phobia of clowns started when he watched a horror movie as a child.
- I have a phobia of public speaking - I'd rather swim with sharks!
- My mom's phobia of germs means our house is cleaner than a hospital.
phobia
NOUN[/ˈfoʊbiə/]
an extreme or irrational fear of or aversion to something
He freezes with fear because of his spider phobia.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word derives from ancient Greek Phobos, the personified god of fear and panic in Greek mythology, son of Ares the god of war. Phobos was depicted as spreading terror and dread among enemies in battle, and his name became associated with the concept of fear itself, eventually evolving into the suffix -phobia used to denote irrational fears or aversions.
Breakdown
phobos (fear, panic) + -ia (noun-forming suffix denoting a condition or state). The Greek root phobos ultimately derives from the Proto-Indo-European root *bhegwh- (to flee or be afraid).
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“His phobia of clowns started when he watched a horror movie as a child.”
“I have a phobia of public speaking - I'd rather swim with sharks!”
“My mom's phobia of germs means our house is cleaner than a hospital.”
“Therapy helped her overcome her phobia of flying.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
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