noun
agoraphobia
ag-uh-ruh-FOH-bee-uh
Agoraphobia (noun) means an anxiety disorder in which a person fears and avoids places or situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable — crowds, public transport, open spaces, or leaving home at all. Example: “Agoraphobia kept him indoors for two years.”
noun
1
An anxiety disorder in which a person fears and avoids places or situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable — crowds, public transport, open spaces, or leaving home at all.
"Agoraphobia kept him indoors for two years."
How to use agoraphobia
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAnxiety about places where escape or help would be difficult.
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_____ kept him indoors for two years.
Etymology
From Greek "agora," the marketplace or public square, plus "-phobia" (fear).
Antonyms
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Rhymes for agoraphobia
See all rhymes for agoraphobia →Frequently asked questions
What is agoraphobia?
An anxiety disorder centred on fear of situations where escape would be hard or help unavailable if panic struck — crowded places, public transport, queues, or being far from home. Avoidance can narrow life severely.
Is agoraphobia just a fear of open spaces?
That is the literal reading of the Greek, but it is misleading. The core fear is of being trapped or unable to get help, which is why crowded and enclosed situations such as buses and cinemas are just as commonly avoided.
What is the meaning of agoraphobia?
"agoraphobia" (noun) means an anxiety disorder in which a person fears and avoids places or situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable — crowds, public transport, open spaces, or leaving home at all.
What is the opposite of agoraphobia?
The opposite of "agoraphobia" is claustrophobia.
