phobia

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun an anxiety disorder characterized by extreme and irrational fear of simple things or social situations

Etymology

First attested in c. 1790, from words ending in -phobia, ultimately from Ancient Greek φόβος (phóbos, “fear”). Compare ism, from -ism, itis, from -itis, and ana, from -ana.

In classic literature

Synonyms

phobic disorder, phobic neurosis

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