nosophobia

[ nos-uh-foh-bee-uh ]

noun

, Psychiatry.

1. an irrational or disproportionate fear of disease.

nosophobia

/ ˌnɒsəˈfəʊbɪə /

noun

1. the morbid dread of contracting disease

Other Words From

• nos·o·pho·bic adjective noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of nosophobia¹

First recorded in 1885–90; noso- + -phobia

Example Sentences

Medical students’ disease — which has also been called “nosophobia,” meaning “fear of disease” — first gained attention in the mid-1960s after the publication of two articles from prominent psychiatric departments.

From New York Times

One of the unfortunate consequences of nosophobia is that a victim of it not only renders her own life miserable, but she unfortunately affects the happiness of every member of the household.

From Project Gutenberg

Modern conditions unfortunately favor the easy development of nosophobia in young wives.

From Project Gutenberg

To the victim of nosophobia this suggestive knowledge is a constant terror and an ever present nightmare.

From Project Gutenberg

To none of these other forms, however, is attached the same degree of seriousness by the laity as they attach unjustly to nosophobia.

From Project Gutenberg