Definition

arachnophobia (noun) An intense, irrational, and persistent fear of spiders. This is a specific phobia, a type of anxiety disorder characterized by a significant and excessive fear of a specific object or situation.

Usage

The word "arachnophobia" is used to describe the clinical condition of having a severe fear of spiders. It is a formal or technical term often used in psychological and medical contexts, but it is also widely understood in general conversation.

Examples

• Her arachnophobia is so severe that she cannot look at pictures of spiders.
• The movie's title, "," played on this common fear.
• He is undergoing therapy to manage his arachnophobia.

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used metaphorically to describe an extreme aversion or dislike for something, though this is less common.
  • His arachnophobia for bureaucracy makes him avoid any government office.

Variants and Related Words

• arachnophobe (noun): A person who has arachnophobia.
  • As an arachnophobe, she asked her roommate to remove any spiders.
• arachnophobic (adjective): Relating to or suffering from arachnophobia.
  • She had an arachnophobic reaction when she saw the web.

Synonyms

• fear of spiders
• spider phobia

Antonyms

• arachnophilia (a fondness for or attraction to spiders)

Noun

1. a morbid fear of spiders