Phobic

Adjective

Definition: Having or involving an extreme or irrational fear of or aversion to something.

Synonyms: Fearful, Afraid, Terrified, Anxious, Apprehensive

Antonyms: Fearlessness, Bravery

Examples:
  • He has a phobic reaction to spiders.
  • Her phobic fear of heights prevents her from enjoying roller coasters.
Mnemonics:
  • Think of the word "phobia," which is a noun used to describe a specific fear or aversion. "Phobic" is the adjective form of it.

Etymology:

Origin:

The word "phobic" originated from the Greek word "phobos," meaning fear or terror. It was first used in English in the late 19th century.

Historical Usage:

The term "phobic" has been commonly used in psychology and psychiatry to describe irrational fears and aversions.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Phobic disorder"

Explanation:

Refers to a mental disorder characterized by an excessive, irrational fear towards a specific object or situation, such as agoraphobia (fear of open spaces) or arachnophobia (fear of spiders).

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Using "phobic" to describe a general, rational fear.

Explanation:

"Phobic" specifically refers to an extreme or irrational fear, not a common fear or cautionary response. Using it to describe a rational fear may mischaracterize the intensity or irrationality of the emotion.

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