claustrophobia

noun

claus·​tro·​pho·​bia ˌklȯ-strə-ˈfō-bē-ə 

1

: abnormal dread of being in closed or narrow spaces

2

: a feeling of discomfort or discontent caused by being in a limiting or restrictive situation or environment

While recovering in the hospital, she recognizes the claustrophobia of her working-class life, shared with a suffocatingly affectionate mother and a dud of a dad.

—Barbara Tritel

claustrophobe

ˈklȯ-strə-ˌfōb 

noun

Examples of claustrophobia in a Sentence

She doesn't go in elevators because of her claustrophobia.

the claustrophobia of small-town life

Recent Examples on the Web

The audience is ostensibly meant to feel Muncie’s claustrophobia and conclusion, but keeping the show in his POV hampers the storytelling when many key events take place offscreen. —Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 28 Nov. 2024

The Couple Next Door explores the claustrophobia of suburbia and the fallout of chasing your deepest desires. —Marc Berman, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024

From the get-go, the ever-changing topography of New Zealand's South Island quickly stilled any fears of boredom or claustrophobia. —Brad Japhe, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2024

Another approach is working with a cognitive behavioral therapist to address insomnia symptoms, claustrophobia, or anxiety posed by CPAP. —Matt Fuchs, TIME, 21 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin claustrum + New Latin -phobia

First Known Use

1879, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

claustrophobia

noun

claus·​tro·​pho·​bia ˌklȯ-strə-ˈfō-bē-ə 

: abnormal fear of being in closed or narrow spaces

claustrophobic

-ˈfō-bik

adjective

Medical Definition

claustrophobia

noun

claus·​tro·​pho·​bia ˌklȯ-strə-ˈfō-bē-ə 

: abnormal dread of being in closed or narrow spaces