noun

photophobia

foh-tuh-FOH-bee-uh

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Photophobia (noun) means an unusual sensitivity to light that makes bright conditions uncomfortable or painful for the eyes. Example: “The migraine left her with severe photophobia, so she kept the curtains drawn.”

noun

medical An unusual sensitivity to light that makes bright conditions uncomfortable or painful for the eyes.

"The migraine left her with severe photophobia, so she kept the curtains drawn."

"Photophobia is a common symptom doctors check for during an eye examination."

"His photophobia meant he wore sunglasses even on overcast days."

A dislike of being photographed or of having personal photos shared or seen by others.

"Her photophobia meant she dodged every group photo at the wedding."

"He joked about his photophobia whenever a camera came out."

"Photophobia around old photos being shared online is increasingly common."

How to use photophobia

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishPhotophobia usually means bright light is uncomfortable or painful to your eyes.

When to use it

The medical sense is the one most commonly used and is standard in clinical contexts.

Memory tip

Remember the medical meaning is about physical light sensitivity, not a fear in the everyday emotional sense.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

suffer from photophobia severe photophobia photophobia and headache mild photophobia

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “photophobia” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The migraine left her with severe _____, so she kept the curtains drawn.

Etymology

The word combines the prefix photo-, relating to light, with the suffix -phobia, meaning fear or aversion. A second, separate sense developed later from photo in the sense of photograph joined to the same -phobia ending.

Origin: Greek

Rhymes for photophobia

Odia aria India Syria ataxia Latvia acacia Zambia LGBTQIA ectasia hryvnia begonia

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Frequently asked questions

Is photophobia the same as being scared of light?

Partly. In its medical sense it refers mainly to the eyes being unusually sensitive to bright light, though the term itself also carries a sense of aversion to or fear of light, not just physical discomfort.

What causes photophobia?

It is often a symptom linked to conditions such as migraines or eye problems, where bright light becomes uncomfortable or painful.

Can photophobia mean something other than light sensitivity?

Yes, it can also describe a reluctance to be photographed or to have personal photos circulated.

What is the meaning of photophobia?

"photophobia" (noun) means an unusual sensitivity to light that makes bright conditions uncomfortable or painful for the eyes.