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

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

From BBC

We’ve fallen in love with our bubble to the point that borderline agoraphobia has gone from an affliction to a remedy.

From Los Angeles Times

Medication reviews were largely done by telephone because of her agoraphobia and dislike of people coming to her home, he wrote.

From BBC