Definition

Noun: A persistent, irrational, and excessive fear of small insects, mites, and worms. This is a specific phobia, a type of anxiety disorder, where the fear is disproportionate to the actual danger posed by these tiny creatures.

Usage

The word "acarophobia" is a clinical and psychological term. It is used in medical, psychiatric, and psychological contexts to diagnose and describe a specific condition. It is not commonly used in everyday conversation.

Examples

• The patient's intense distress at the sight of dust mites was diagnosed as acarophobia.
• Acarophobia can lead to excessive cleaning and avoidance of places like gardens or basements.
• Her acarophobia was so severe that she would panic at the thought of microscopic organisms.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often discussed in relation to other specific phobias, such as entomophobia (fear of insects) or parasitophobia (fear of parasites).
• In some cases, acarophobia may be associated with delusional parasitosis, a condition where a person falsely believes they are infested with parasites.

Variants and Related Words

• Acarophobe (noun): A person who suffers from acarophobia.
• Acarophobic (adjective): Relating to or suffering from acarophobia. (e.g., ).

Synonyms

• Fear of small insects
• Fear of mites
• (More general) Entomophobia (fear of insects)

Word Origin

The word derives from Greek: akari meaning "mite" or "tiny insect" and -phobia meaning "fear."

Noun

1. a morbid fear of small insects and mites and worms