Definition

1. Noun:
   • An irrational, excessive, and persistent fear of the number thirteen: Triskaidekaphobia is a specific phobia characterized by an intense, morbid dread or anxiety related to the number 13. It often leads to avoidance behaviors, such as skipping the 13th floor in buildings or avoiding activities on the 13th day of the month.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Her triskaidekaphobia was so severe that she refused to stay in any hotel room numbered 13.
  • The architect's triskaidekaphobia influenced the building's design, leading to the omission of a 13th floor.

Advanced Usage

• Clinical Context: In psychology, triskaidekaphobia is classified as a specific phobia. Treatment may involve cognitive-behavioral therapy.
  • The therapist specialized in treating specific phobias like triskaidekaphobia and arachnophobia.

Variants and Related Words

• Triskaidekaphobe (noun): A person who suffers from triskaidekaphobia.
  • As a triskaidekaphobe, he always checks calendar dates meticulously.
• Triskaidekaphobic (adjective): Relating to or suffering from triskaidekaphobia.
  • The triskaidekaphobic patient experienced acute anxiety every Friday the 13th.

Synonyms

• Fear of thirteen: A direct, non-clinical synonym.
• Terdekaphobia: A less common alternative term.

Notes on Different Meanings

• This word has a single, specific meaning. It does not refer to a general fear of numbers (which is arithmophobia) or a fear of Friday the 13th (which is paraskevidekatriaphobia or friggatriskaidekaphobia). Triskaidekaphobia is specifically the fear of the number 13 itself.

Noun

1. a morbid fear of the number 13