agoraphobia

[ ag-er-uh-foh-bee-uh, uh-gawr‐ ]

noun

, Psychiatry.

1. an irrational or disproportionate fear of being in crowds, public places, or open areas, often accompanied by anxiety attacks: In extreme cases, avoidance behaviors may render affected individuals homebound. Compare ochlophobia ( def ).

agoraphobia

/ ˌæɡərəˈfəʊbɪə /

noun

1. a pathological fear of being in public places, often resulting in the sufferer becoming housebound

Derived Forms

• ˌagoraˈphobic, adjectivenoun

Other Words From

• ag·o·ra·pho·bic adjective noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of agoraphobia¹

First recorded in 1870–75; agora ¹ + -phobia

Example Sentences

He developed agoraphobia, describing in 2019 how anxious he got leaving the house to order a coffee at a nearby Starbucks.

From Los Angeles Times

There’s also the sense that it’s meaningful to Schumer that “Life & Beth” reflects the curveballs thrown at people in her age group — everything from simple gnawing insecurities to agoraphobia, addiction and depression.

From Los Angeles Times

Take Jonas, a history buff who’d been diagnosed with agoraphobia and panic disorder, and had tried all kinds of health care and self-care treatments: therapy, medication, marijuana.

From Slate

After Karen's attack she developed agoraphobia and still has days when she battles with her mental health.

From BBC

The host, Drew Linsalata, is a self-described “former sufferer” of panic disorder, agoraphobia and depression.

From New York Times