claustrophobic
UK: ˌklɔːstrəˈfəʊbɪk | US: ˌklɔːstrəˈfoʊbɪk
adj. relating to or suffering from claustrophobia (fear of confined spaces)
adj. causing a feeling of claustrophobia; uncomfortably confined
claustrophobic = claustro<confined space> + phobic<fear of>
- claustro (from Latin claustrum, meaning "enclosure" or "confined space")
- phobic (from Greek phobos, meaning "fear," combined with the English suffix -ic to form an adjective)
Etymology Origin:
The word claustrophobic originates from the Latin claustrum (enclosure) and Greek phobos (fear). It was coined in the late 19th century to describe the irrational fear of confined spaces. The blending of Latin and Greek roots reflects the scientific and medical tradition of combining classical languages to create precise terminology. The logic is straightforward: claustro- (confined) + -phobic (fear of) = "fear of confinement."
She felt claustrophobic in the crowded elevator.
The narrow hallway was claustrophobic, making it hard to breathe.
His claustrophobic tendencies kept him from using subway systems.
The tiny room had a claustrophobic atmosphere.
Wearing a tight helmet made him claustrophobic during the dive.