Acrophobia Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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acrophobia
[ˌakrəˈfəʊbɪə ]
Definition
fear of heights
Acrophobia is an irrational fear of heights, which can cause intense anxiety and panic attacks when confronted with tall buildings, bridges, or other high places. People with acrophobia may avoid situations where they have to look down from a height, and their fear can significantly impact their daily life.
Synonyms
fear of heights, height phobia, vertigo.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| acrophobia |
Used in medical or psychological contexts to describe a diagnosed phobia of heights.
|
| fear of heights |
Commonly used in everyday conversation and not necessarily in a clinical sense.
|
| height phobia |
Less commonly used, but can still be found in medical or psychological contexts. It is straightforward and self-explanatory.
|
| vertigo |
Refers specifically to the sensation of dizziness or spinning caused by a problem with the inner ear or sensory pathway. Can be connected with heights but is not limited to it.
|
Examples of usage
- Mary's acrophobia prevented her from enjoying the view from the top of the Eiffel Tower.
- His acrophobia made it difficult for him to climb the ladder to change the lightbulb.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Acrophobia is one of the most common specific phobias, affecting up to 5% of the population.
- The fear can trigger physical reactions, such as sweating, shaking, or even difficulty breathing, when a person is at a height.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is often used to help individuals overcome this fear by gradually exposing them to heights.
Culture
- In movies and literature, characters with acrophobia often experience dramatic moments that heighten suspense, such as standing on the edge of a cliff.
- This fear can influence personal choices, such as avoiding jobs that require working on skyscrapers or traveling to places with high viewpoints.
Statistics
- Research shows that people who have other anxiety disorders are more likely to suffer from acrophobia.
- Surveys indicate that 20% of people report a fear of heights that impacts their daily lives or activities.
Treatment
- Exposure therapy is an effective treatment method where individuals are slowly introduced to heights in a safe environment.
- Virtual reality technology is being utilized to help treat phobias like acrophobia by simulating high places.
Origin of 'acrophobia'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Greek 'akros', meaning 'high' or 'topmost', and 'phobos', meaning 'fear'.
- In the early 20th century, psychological terms began to adopt Greek roots, which is why we see 'phobia' combined with different words.
The term 'acrophobia' is derived from the Greek words 'akros' meaning 'top' or 'highest' and 'phobos' meaning 'fear'. The fear of heights has been documented throughout history, with ancient civilizations recognizing it as a common phobia. Acrophobia can be traced back to evolutionary psychology, as a fear of falling from heights would have been advantageous for early humans living in trees or cliffs.
Word Frequency Rank
At position #41,261, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.