phobia
UK: ˈfəʊbiə | US: ˈfoʊbiə
n. an extreme or irrational fear of or aversion to something.
The word "phobia" originates from the Greek phobos, meaning "fear" or "terror." In Greek mythology, Phobos was the personification of fear, often depicted as a companion of Ares, the god of war. The term was adopted into English in the late 18th century to describe irrational or exaggerated fears, often used as a suffix in compound words (e.g., "arachnophobia," "claustrophobia"). The morpheme "phobia" retains its original Greek spelling and meaning, making it a clear and consistent linguistic unit.
Her phobia of heights made it impossible for her to climb the ladder.
Many people suffer from social phobia, which can hinder daily interactions.
His phobia of spiders caused him to panic at the sight of a tiny web.
Exposure therapy is often used to treat specific phobias.
The documentary explored the cultural origins of common phobias.