zoophobia
Noun: A persistent, abnormal, and irrational fear of animals. This is a specific phobia characterized by intense anxiety or dread triggered by the presence, thought, or image of animals, which may lead to avoidance behavior.
The word "zoophobia" is a clinical or psychological term used to describe a recognized anxiety disorder. It is typically used in formal, medical, or academic contexts. - Her zoophobia made visiting the countryside extremely stressful. - The therapist specialized in treating specific phobias like zoophobia.
- The child's zoophobia was so severe that he refused to go to parks or petting zoos.
- A common manifestation of zoophobia is a panic attack when encountering a dog, even if it is leashed.
- Unlike a simple dislike, zoophobia involves a debilitating level of fear that can interfere with daily life.
- Clinical Context: In diagnostics, zoophobia is categorized under specific phobias (animal type) in manuals like the DSM-5.
- The diagnosis confirmed a case of zoophobia focused on reptiles and insects.
- Etymology-Based Usage: The term is sometimes used more loosely in non-clinical writing to describe a general, strong aversion to animals, though this dilutes its precise medical meaning.
- Zoophobic (adjective): Relating to or suffering from zoophobia.
- He had zoophobic reactions to cats and birds.
- Specific Phobia: The broader category of anxiety disorders that includes zoophobia.
- Ailurophobia: Morbid fear of cats.
- Cynophobia: Morbid fear of dogs.
- Ophidiophobia: Morbid fear of snakes.
- Animal phobia
- Fear of animals (general term, not clinical)
- Zoophilia (in a psychiatric context, meaning a paraphilia involving animals; also can mean a strong interest in animals)
- Love of animals
- Comfort with animals
"Zoophobia" specifically denotes a phobia, which is an anxiety disorder. It is not synonymous with: - A rational fear of dangerous animals (e.g., fear of a bear in the wild). - A general dislike or distaste for animals. - Allergies to animals.
The fear in zoophobia is typically disproportionate to the actual danger posed and is persistent.
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a morbid fear of animals
