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Definition of claustrophobic

claustrophobic

/ˌklɔː.strəˈfoʊ.bɪk/
claus · tro · pho · bic

Adverb:claustrophobically
•
Plural:claustrophobics
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claustrophobic Lexical Profile

claustrophobic Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Having an extreme or irrational fear of confined or enclosed places.

Example

"Because she is severely claustrophobic, she always takes the stairs instead of riding in a crowded elevator."


2

Uncomfortably small, cramped, or enclosed, so as to induce a feeling of being trapped or stifled.

Example

"The windowless basement office had a claustrophobic atmosphere that made it difficult to concentrate for long hours."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• noun

1

A person who suffers from an extreme or irrational fear of confined or enclosed places.

Example

"The narrow underground cave tour was clearly not suitable for a claustrophobic."

• Rhymes for claustrophobic

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from 'claustrophobia', which was coined in the late 19th century from Latin 'claustrum' (meaning 'bolt' or 'enclosed place') and Ancient Greek 'phobos' (meaning 'fear').

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020

Cite this Entry


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