Phobia Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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phobia
[ˈfəʊbiə ]
Definitions
fear
Phobia is an extreme or irrational fear of or aversion to something. It is a type of anxiety disorder, usually categorized by a persistent fear of an object or situation, leading to avoidance or severe distress.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| phobia |
Phobia is used to describe an intense, irrational fear of a specific thing, situation, or activity. It is often diagnosed as a medical condition.
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| fear |
Fear is a general term used to describe the unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat. It can be both rational and irrational.
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| dread |
Dread is a strong feeling of fear or anxiety about something that may happen in the future. It can be used for both minor worries and serious concerns.
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| terror |
Terror is used to describe an extreme form of fear that is often sudden and overwhelming. It is generally more intense than fear and can be paralyzing.
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Examples of usage
- She has a phobia of spiders.
- His phobia of heights prevents him from going on roller coasters.
psychology
In psychology, a phobia is an overwhelming and unreasonable fear of an object or situation that poses little real danger but provokes anxiety and avoidance behavior.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| phobia |
Phobia is an intense, irrational fear of a specific object, situation, or activity that typically leads to avoidance behavior.
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| anxiety |
Anxiety is a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome, often accompanied by physical symptoms.
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| fearfulness |
Fearfulness is a general state of being afraid or feeling a sense of danger or threat.
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| panic |
Panic is a sudden, overwhelming fear that causes frantic or irrational behavior, often in response to a real or perceived immediate threat.
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Examples of usage
- His phobia of flying makes it difficult for him to travel long distances.
- The therapist helped her overcome her phobia of public speaking.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Phobias are classified as anxiety disorders, where fear can lead to avoidance behavior.
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy is often effective for treating phobias by changing thought patterns.
- A surprising fact is that people with phobias can react with intense fear even when they are not in direct danger.
Cultural Representations
- Movies often dramatize phobias, such as 'Arachnophobia' which highlighted a fear of spiders.
- Literature has explored phobias, with characters experiencing profound fears that shape their journeys.
- In art, phobias can be depicted through surreal imagery, showcasing the emotional impact of fear.
Science
- Research indicates that phobias can develop from a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors.
- Surprisingly, some studies suggest that certain phobias could trigger the brain's fight-or-flight response even when faced with non-threatening stimuli.
- Neuroscience has revealed that specific regions of the brain become active when someone experiences a phobia.
Social Impact
- Phobias can affect daily life, preventing people from engaging in social activities or travel.
- Social stigma sometimes surrounds individuals with phobias, leading to misunderstanding or ridicule.
- Awareness campaigns aim to educate the public about phobias, helping to foster empathy and support.
Origin of 'phobia'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Greek 'phobos', meaning fear or dread.
- It was first used in the English language in the 19th century to describe irrational fears.
- Many phobias are named using Greek or Latin roots, making them easy to identify based on the object of fear.
The word 'phobia' originates from the Greek word 'phobos', meaning fear or horror. The concept of phobias has been present throughout history, with different cultures recognizing and describing various phobias. In modern psychology, phobias are studied as a type of anxiety disorder that can have a significant impact on an individual's daily life.