Phobic Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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phobic
[ˈfoʊbɪk ]
Definition
fear-related
Phobic refers to having an extreme or irrational fear or aversion to something. It often describes individuals who experience severe anxiety or panic in response to specific stimuli or situations.
Synonyms
afraid, apprehensive, fearful, scared, terrified.
Examples of usage
- She has a phobic reaction to spiders.
- His phobic fear of flying prevents him from traveling.
- Many people have phobic responses to heights.
- Her phobic anxiety about public speaking is well-known.
- Phobic tendencies can be challenging to overcome.
Translations
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Origin of 'phobic'
The term 'phobic' is derived from the Greek word 'phobos', meaning fear or dread. It entered the English language in the late 19th century, initially used in psychological contexts to describe excessive fears and anxieties. Over time, 'phobic' has evolved to describe a broader range of fears, manifesting not just as a medical or psychological diagnosis but also permeating everyday language to characterize situations and feelings of intense discomfort or anxiety. The suffix '-phobia' is often attached to specific fears (such as 'arachnophobia' for fear of spiders) to denote particular phobic conditions. Its usage reflects both medical and colloquial understandings of fear and anxiety in contemporary society.
Word Frequency Rank
At rank #27,403, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.
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- 27400 shredding
- 27401 unapproachable
- 27402 premiered
- 27403 phobic
- 27404 obloquy
- 27405 debauched
- 27406 surrealist
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