agoraphobia

noun

ag·​o·​ra·​pho·​bia ˌa-g(ə-)rə-ˈfō-bē-ə How to pronounce agoraphobia (audio)
ə-ˌgȯr-ə-
: abnormal fear of being helpless in a situation from which escape may be difficult or embarrassing that is characterized initially often by panic or anticipatory anxiety and finally by the avoidance of open or public places

Did you know?

The agora was the marketplace in ancient Greece; thus, agoraphobia often involves fear of public places and crowds. But it also may involve fear of being in shops, or even fear of being in open spaces, or fear of traveling alone. It may also be a fear of experiencing some uncontrollable or embarrassing event (like fainting) in the presence of others with no help available. Agoraphobia can be hard to understand for those who don't suffer from it, especially because it can take so many different forms, but it is often a serious and socially crippling condition.

Examples of agoraphobia in a Sentence

a patient suffering from agoraphobia
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Hana has agoraphobia, so there is this sensitivity that Jen has to have with her. Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 June 2024 In addition to Murray, several other stars have shared their battle with agoraphobia, including Zac Efron, Kim Basinger, Linda Evangelista, and more. Vanessa Etienne, Peoplemag, 21 May 2024 During an interview with The Cut, published May 21, the 42-year-old opened up about his struggle with agoraphobia — an anxiety disorder that involves the fear of going into crowded spaces, or sometimes leaving one's home. Vanessa Etienne, Peoplemag, 21 May 2024 Shortly after, Etienne comes in, wanting to join the resistance efforts, but is paralyzed by agoraphobia. Nick Romano, EW.com, 11 Sep. 2023 See all Example Sentences for agoraphobia 

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German Agoraphobie, from Greek agorā-, combining form of agorá "place of assembly, agora entry 1" + German -phobie -phobia

Note: The term was introduced by the German neurologist and psychiatrist Carl Friedrich Otto Westphal (1833-90) in "Die Agoraphobie, eine neuropathische Erscheinung," Archiv für Psychiatrie und Nervenkrankheiten, Band 3, Heft 1 (1871), pp. 138-161. Westphal gives as his vernacular equivalent Platzfurcht.

First Known Use

circa 1871, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of agoraphobia was circa 1871

Dictionary Entries Near agoraphobia

Cite this Entry

“Agoraphobia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/agoraphobia. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

agoraphobia

noun
ag·​o·​ra·​pho·​bia ˌa-gə-rə-ˈfō-bē-ə How to pronounce agoraphobia (audio)
: abnormal fear of being helpless in a situation which is embarrassing or inescapable and that leads to the avoidance of open or public places
agoraphobic adjective

Medical Definition

agoraphobia

noun
ag·​o·​ra·​pho·​bia ˌag(-ə)-rə-ˈfō-bē-ə How to pronounce agoraphobia (audio)
: abnormal fear of being helpless in a situation from which escape may be difficult or embarrassing that is characterized initially often by panic or anticipatory anxiety and finally by avoidance of open or public places

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