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Hydrophobia: meaning, definitions and examples

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hydrophobia

 

[haษชdrษ™หˆfoสŠbiษ™ ]

Definition

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from Greek roots: 'hydro' means water, and 'phobia' means fear.
  • The term was originally used to describe a symptom of rabies, which can cause fear of water in affected animals and people.

Psychology

  • Hydrophobia is classified as a specific phobia, which means the fear is excessive and irrational compared to the actual threat.
  • People with this fear may experience symptoms like sweating, shaking, or panic when they encounter water.

Health

  • In some cases, individuals with hydrophobia can safely engage with water through therapy and gradual exposure techniques.
  • Hydrophobia can appear in both children and adults, but it is particularly concerning if it develops after a traumatic experience involving water.

Culture

  • In movies and literature, characters suffering from hydrophobia often symbolize deeper emotional struggles or the dangers of isolation.
  • The fear of water is sometimes depicted in folklore, representing barriers between civilization and the wild, untamed nature.

Historical Context

  • During the 19th century, hydrophobia became a popular term linked to rabies, as many animals infected with the virus displayed a fear of water.
  • Hydrophobia's association with rabies contributed to public health campaigns aimed at educating people about dog bites and the importance of rabies vaccination.

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

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.