arachnophobia
Học thuậtThân thiện
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
- a morbid fear of spiders