Phobias
A phobia is an intense, often irrational fear of a particular object, place, or situation — and almost every one has its own precise name, usually built from a Greek root plus '-phobia'. Arachnophobia is the fear of spiders (Greek arachne, 'spider'); claustrophobia is the fear of enclosed spaces (Latin claustrum, 'enclosure').
This guide collects the names of common and curious phobias, grouped by theme — animals, places, nature, people, objects, and the abstract. It is a vocabulary and word-building reference, not medical advice: if a fear is affecting daily life, a qualified professional is the right person to consult.
82 entries in this category
Phobias Explained — 82 Named Fears from Arachnophobia to Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia
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14Fear of death.
Fear of having a phobia.
Fear of the number 13.
Fear of long words (ironically).
Fear of time passing.
Fear of failure.
Fear of numbers.
Fear of mirrors.
Fear of ghosts.
Fear of bathing or washing.
Fear of the number 666.
Fear of beards.
Fear of gravity.
Fear of being touched.
Animals & Creatures
16Fear of spiders.
Fear of snakes.
Fear of dogs.
Fear of insects.
Fear of bees.
Fear of mice and rats.
Fear of birds.
Fear of fish.
Fear of cats.
Fear of reptiles.
Fear of horses.
Fear of bats.
Fear of butterflies and moths.
Fear of frogs.
Fear of wasps.
Fear of chickens.
Nature & Elements
12Fear of water.
Fear of fire.
Fear of thunder and lightning.
Fear of the sea or deep water.
Fear of snow.
Fear of the sun / sunlight.
Fear of rain.
Fear of wind and draughts.
Fear of tornadoes and hurricanes.
Fear of extreme cold, ice or frost.
Fear of clouds.
Fear of the moon.
Objects & Situations
16Fear of clusters of small holes.
Fear of clowns.
Fear of dentists.
Fear of needles / injections.
Fear of technology.
Fear of being without a mobile phone.
Fear of germs and dirt.
Fear of vomiting.
Fear of blood.
Fear of sharp objects.
Fear of work.
Fear of sleep.
Fear of food.
Fear of balloons.
Fear of loud noises.
Fear of money or spending.
People & Social
13Fear of strangers or foreigners.
Fear of public speaking.
Fear of social situations and judgement.
Fear of men.
Fear of women.
Fear of children.
Fear of people and society.
Fear of being stared at.
Fear of love or emotional attachment.
Fear of marriage or commitment.
Fear of being alone.
Fear of crowds.
Fear of ageing or elderly people.
Places & Spaces
11Fear of confined spaces.
Fear of open or crowded places.
Fear of heights.
Fear of flying.
Fear of depths.
Fear of the dark / night.
Fear of crossing bridges.
Fear of riding in a vehicle.
Fear of hospitals.
Fear of being trapped or locked in.
Fear of churches.