Hydrophobia: meaning, definitions and examples

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hydrophobia

 

[ haษชdrษ™หˆfoสŠbiษ™ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

medical condition

Hydrophobia is a term commonly used to describe a severe and irrational fear of water. It is primarily associated with rabies, where the affected individual experiences an intense aversion to drinking water due to spontaneous laryngeal spasms when attempting to swallow. This condition is often observed in the later stages of rabies, leading to further complications and distress. Hydrophobia can also refer to an extreme fear of swimming or being in water, which can significantly impair daily functioning and quality of life.

Synonyms

aquaphobia, fear of water, water phobia

Examples of usage

  • The dog showed signs of hydrophobia as it became increasingly agitated around water.
  • During the rabies outbreak, many people were alarmed by the symptoms of hydrophobia in infected animals.
  • Therapy is often needed to help individuals overcome hydrophobia and enjoy aquatic activities.
  • The child's hydrophobia made it difficult for her to engage with her peers at the community pool.

Translations

Translations of the word "hydrophobia" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น hidrofobia

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคœเคฒเคจเคฟเคทเฅ‡เคง (jalanishedh)

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Hydrophobie

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ hidrofobia

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะณั–ะดั€ะพั„ะพะฑั–ั

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ hydrofobia

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๆฐดๆๆ€–็—‡ (mizu kyลfushล)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท hydrophobie

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ hidrofobia

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท hidrofobi

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ฌผ ๊ณตํฌ์ฆ (mul gongpojeung)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฑู‡ุงุจ ุงู„ู…ุงุก (rahab almaa)

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ hydrofobie

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ hydrofรณbia

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆๆฐด็—‡ (kว’ng shuว zhรจng)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ hidrofobija

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ vรถtn skelfing

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ััƒะดั‹าฃ า›ะพั€า›ั‹ะฝั‹ัˆั‹ (sudyn qorqynyshy)

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒฌแƒงแƒšแƒ˜แƒก แƒจแƒ˜แƒจแƒ˜แƒ— (tskhlis shishit)

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ su qorxusu

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ hidrofobia

Etymology

The word 'hydrophobia' is derived from Greek roots: 'hydro' meaning 'water' and 'phobia' meaning 'fear'. The term was first used in the early 19th century, notably in medical texts that described the symptoms associated with rabies. As rabies is characterized by intense spasms and an aversion to drinking water, the term became synonymous with the disease's late-stage symptoms. Over time, hydrophobia has evolved to also encompass a broader interpretation surrounding a fear of water itself in various contexts. In modern psychology, hydrophobia refers to a psychological condition, often categorized under anxiety disorders, wherein individuals experience extreme fear when in proximity to water bodies or even the thought of being submerged. This duality in usage reflects the historical significance of the term in both medical and psychological domains.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,829, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.