mysophobia

noun

my·​so·​pho·​bia ˌmī-sə-​ˈfō-​bē-​ə 

: abnormal fear or hatred of uncleanliness or contamination (as with dirt or germs) : germophobia

Those with mysophobia and OCD may feel compelled to wash their hands frequently or clean sheets, desks and other surfaces at every chance.

—Marissa Russo

Several years ago, [Howie] Mandel went public with his mysophobia, an irrational fear of germs, which has controlled his life personally and publically.

—Justin Katz

mysophobe

ˈmī-sə-​ˌfōb 

noun

or less commonly mysophobic

ˌmī-sə-​ˈfō-​bik 

plural mysophobes also mysophobics

A self-confirmed mysophobe—one who fears contamination from germs—I am always armed with a little bottle of hand sanitizer and lots of prayer.

—Sarah Nothelfer

mysophobic adjective

You do not have to be mysophobic to want to slip on rubber gloves when you enter an airplane cabin.

—Hugo Marin

Word History

Etymology

Greek mýsos (neuter s-stem) "pollution, defilement" (of uncertain origin) + -o- + -phobia

First Known Use

1879, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

mysophobia

noun

my·​so·​pho·​bia

variants or misophobia

-ˈfō-bē-ə 

: abnormal fear of or distaste for uncleanliness or contamination

mysophobic

-ˈfō-bik 

adjective