noun
C1
Advanced
claustrophobia
klos-truh-FOH-bee-uh
Claustrophobia (noun) means an intense, irrational fear of small or enclosed spaces. Example: “Her claustrophobia made the crowded elevator unbearable.”
noun
1
An intense, irrational fear of small or enclosed spaces.
"Her claustrophobia made the crowded elevator unbearable."
"He avoided caving trips because of his claustrophobia."
How to use claustrophobia
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishFear of being shut in or trapped in a tight space.
Common mistake
Don't mix it up with agoraphobia, which is fear of open or public spaces — the opposite kind of trigger.
Easily confused with
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like claustrophobia.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- claustrophobias
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
Related words
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.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include claustrophobia:
