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Definition of hydrophobic

hydrophobic

/ˌhaɪ.drəˈfoʊ.bɪk/
hy · dro · pho · bic
Adverb:hydrophobically
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hydrophobic Lexical Profile

hydrophobic Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Tending to repel or fail to mix with water.

Example

"The outdoor jacket is treated with a hydrophobic coating that causes rain to bead up and roll right off the fabric."

2

Relating to, having, or suffering from an extreme or irrational fear of water, or exhibiting the symptomatic aversion to liquids associated with rabies.

Example

"After nearly drowning as a child, he became deeply hydrophobic and avoided swimming pools entirely."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for hydrophobic

• Nearby Words

hydromassage
hydrometer
hydrophobia
hydrophobic
hydroplane
hydropneumothorax
hydroponic

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the late 18th century from Ancient Greek 'hydor' (water) and 'phobos' (fear), originally describing the symptom of water aversion in rabies before being adopted into chemistry to describe water-repelling molecules.

Cite this Entry

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