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Definition of acrophobia

acrophobia

/ˌæk.rəˈfoʊ.bi.ə/
ac · ro · pho · bi · a
Adjective:acrophobic
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acrophobia Lexical Profile

acrophobia Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

An extreme or irrational fear of heights, classified clinically as a specific phobia.

Example

"His severe acrophobia prevented him from walking across the glass-bottomed suspension bridge."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for acrophobia

Word Nuance & Usage

Acrophobia is often informally confused with vertigo; however, acrophobia is a psychological anxiety disorder triggered by high places, whereas vertigo is a physical sensation of spinning or dizziness caused by inner-ear or neurological issues.

• Rhymes for acrophobia

• Nearby Words

acronym
acronymic
acrophobe
acrophobia
acrophobic
acropolis
across

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the late 19th century by Italian physician Andrea Verga from Ancient Greek akron ('summit, highest point') and phobos ('fear').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Acrophobia. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/acrophobia
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