claustrophobia
Claustrophobia (noun) means an intense, irrational fear of small or enclosed spaces. Example: “Her claustrophobia made the crowded elevator unbearable.”
How to Use Claustrophobia
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishFear of being shut in or trapped in a tight space.
Don't mix it up with agoraphobia, which is fear of open or public spaces — the opposite kind of trigger.
Word Forms
claustrophobias plural
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
Her _____ made the crowded elevator unbearable.
Etymology
Built from Latin claustrum ("a locked or enclosed place") plus the Greek-derived suffix -phobia ("fear"); first recorded in medical writing in the 1870s.
Antonyms
Rhymes for claustrophobia
See all rhymes for claustrophobia →Frequently Asked Questions
What does “claustrophobia” mean?
The word “claustrophobia” means an intense, irrational fear of small or enclosed spaces. In plain terms, fear of being shut in or trapped in a tight space.
How do you pronounce “claustrophobia”?
“Claustrophobia” is pronounced klos-truh-FOH-bee-uh (/ˌklɔː.strəˈfoʊ.bi.ə/ in IPA).
How do you use “claustrophobia” in a sentence?
Here is “claustrophobia” used in a sentence: “Her claustrophobia made the crowded elevator unbearable.”
What is the opposite of “claustrophobia”?
The opposite of “claustrophobia” — its antonyms — is agoraphobia.
What part of speech is “claustrophobia”?
“Claustrophobia” is a noun.
Where does the word “claustrophobia” come from?
The word “claustrophobia” dates back to around 1870 and comes from Latin. Built from Latin claustrum ("a locked or enclosed place") plus the Greek-derived suffix -phobia ("fear"); first recorded in medical writing in the 1870s.