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Definition of phobia

phobia

/ˈfoʊ.bi.ə/
pho · bi · a
Plural:phobias
•
Adjective:phobic
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phobia Lexical Profile

phobia Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

An extreme, irrational, and persistent fear of a specific object, activity, or situation that leads to a compelling desire to avoid it.

Example

"Cognitive behavioral therapy helped him overcome his debilitating phobia of flying."

2

A strong, habitual dislike, aversion, or intolerance toward a particular thing or group.

Example

"She joked about having a lifelong phobia of early morning meetings and cold weather."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for phobia

• Nearby Words

phlox
phnom penh
pho
phobia
phobic
phoebe
phoenix

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 18th century as an independent noun from the suffix '-phobia', which comes via Late Latin from Ancient Greek 'phobos' meaning 'fear, panic, or flight', personified in Greek mythology as Phobos, the son of Ares and god of fear.

Cite this Entry

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