acrophobia
UK: ˌækrəˈfəʊbiə | US: ˌækrəˈfoʊbiə
n. an extreme or irrational fear of heights
acrophobia = acro<height> + phobia<fear>
- acro (from Greek akros): means "height," "topmost," or "extreme." Used in words like acrobat (one who walks on tiptoes) and acropolis (high city).
- phobia (from Greek phobos): means "fear" or "aversion." A common suffix in psychology (e.g., arachnophobia, claustrophobia).
Etymology Origin:
The word acrophobia combines Greek akros (height) and phobos (fear), reflecting its clinical use to describe an intense dread of elevated places. The term emerged in the late 19th century alongside the study of anxiety disorders, mirroring the pattern of other -phobia compounds. Its structure logically links the root (acro) to the psychological condition (phobia).
Her acrophobia made it impossible to climb beyond the second floor.
Virtual reality therapy helps some people overcome acrophobia.
The glass-floored observation deck triggered his acrophobia.
Acrophobia is more common than many realize, affecting about 5% of the population.
He avoided hiking trails with steep drops due to his acrophobia.