Definition

1. Noun:
   • A morbid fear of great heights: Acrophobia is a specific phobia characterized by an intense, irrational, and persistent fear of high places or being at a significant height.

Usage

• Acrophobia is a clinical term used in psychology and medicine to describe a type of anxiety disorder.
• It is used to specify a fear distinct from general vertigo or nervousness, implying a level of fear that can cause significant distress or avoidance behavior.

Examples

• Noun:
  • Her acrophobia was so severe that she could not use glass elevators or stand on balconies.
  • The diagnosis confirmed he suffered from acrophobia, not just a mild dislike of heights.

Advanced Usage

• Clinical Context: In psychology, acrophobia is classified under specific phobias in diagnostic manuals.
  • Treatment for acrophobia often involves cognitive-behavioral therapy and gradual exposure.

Variants and Related Words

• Acrophobic (adj): Relating to or suffering from acrophobia.
  • He felt acrophobic symptoms when looking down from the cliff.

Synonyms

• Altophobia: A less common synonym for the fear of heights.
• Height phobia: A descriptive, non-clinical term.

Antonyms

• Acrophilia: A theoretical term for a love or attraction to heights (extremely rare in usage).

Related Phrases

• Fear of heights: The common, non-clinical description of acrophobia.
  • Many people report a fear of heights, but true acrophobia is more debilitating.

Noun

1. a morbid fear of great heights