Search Dictionary
Definition of germophobia

germophobia

/ˌdʒɜːrməˈfoʊbiə/
ger · mo · pho · bi · a
Adjective:germophobic
JUMP TO:

germophobia Lexical Profile

germophobia Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

An extreme or irrational fear of germs, dirt, and microbial contamination, often manifesting in compulsive cleaning and handwashing.

Example

"His severe germophobia made riding crowded public buses an overwhelming ordeal."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for germophobia

Word Nuance & Usage

While 'mysophobia' and 'verminophobia' are the formal clinical terms used in psychology, 'germophobia' (or its variant spelling 'germaphobia') is far more common in everyday speech.

• Rhymes for germophobia

• Nearby Words

germinate
germination
germophobe
germophobia
germophobic
germy
geronimo

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the late 19th century as a hybrid compound combining the English noun 'germ' (from Latin 'germen', meaning 'seed' or 'sprout') with the Greek-derived suffix '-phobia' (from 'phobos', meaning 'fear').

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Germophobia. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/germophobia
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.