scotophobia

¹

[ skoh-tuh-foh-bee-uh ]

noun

, Psychiatry.

1. an irrational or disproportionate fear of the dark: Compare nyctophobia.

   The basement in our new house sets off my scotophobia—I guess we’ll just use the garage for storage.

Scotophobia

²

[ skot-uh-foh-bee-uh ]

noun

1. an aversion or hostility to, disdain for, or fear of Scotland or anything Scottish.

Other Words From

• sco·to·pho·bic adjective noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of scotophobia¹

First recorded in 1840–45; scoto- ( def ) + -phobia

Origin of scotophobia²

First recorded in 1825–35; Scoto- + -phobia