photophobia

[ foh-tuh-foh-bee-uh ]

noun

1. Pathology. a painful sensitivity to or extreme intolerance of bright light, as in iritis.
2. an irrational or disproportionate fear of light.

photophobia

/ ˌfəʊtəʊˈfəʊbɪə /

noun

1. pathol abnormal sensitivity of the eyes to light, esp as the result of inflammation
2. psychiatry abnormal fear of or aversion to sunlight or well-lit places

Derived Forms

• ˌphotoˈphobic, adjective

Other Words From

• pho·to·pho·bic adjective noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of photophobia¹

First recorded in 1790–1800; photo- + -phobia

Example Sentences

“Photophobia can occur both in the setting of natural light and synthetic light. Additionally, sunlight exposure can cause dehydration which can also trigger a headache. Light can activate brain cells in areas of the brain that are involved in headaches.”

From Los Angeles Times

“Photophobia can occur both in the setting of natural light and synthetic light. Additionally, sunlight exposure can cause dehydration which can also trigger a headache. Light can activate brain cells in areas of the brain that are involved in headaches.”

From Los Angeles Times

Maybe it was this medicine that was causing the photophobia, the eye dryness and now the burning.

From New York Times

Symptoms to be aware of include sudden onset of fever, headache, stiff neck, and can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, photophobia and altered mental status.

From Fox News

Symptoms can include fever, headache, neck stiffness, malaise, photophobia, nausea and vomiting.

From Fox News