How Many Of These Fears Do You Have?

Amaxophobia: Fear of riding in a car

Image Source: Know Your Meme

Can you imagine having a fear or riding in a car? People with this phobia are not only too scared to drive the car, they can’t even ride as a passenger. This would make it pretty difficult to get around, we can only hope they aren’t scared of buses or trains…

Androphobia: Fear of men

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You may not believe this one is true, but there are people out there with a genuine fear of men. Trying to avoid them might make everyday life quite difficult, as it can cause anxiety and panic attacks, but most people can overcome it through therapy.

Arachibutyrophobia: Fear of peanut butter

Image Source: Flickr

Whether you’re a lover or a hater, there is great controversy over peanut butter. But some people really hate it so much, they have developed a phobia of the stuff! This phobia is specifically the fear of peanut butter sticking to the roof of the mouth.

Arachnophobia: Fear of spiders

Image Source: The Mirror

We’ve all heard of this one…a fear of spiders. But have you ever been with someone who has a real phobia of them? Just seeing a spider can cause an intensely emotional reaction, evoking anxiety and panic, which can have a significant impact on your life.

Aerophobia: Fear of flying

Image Source: Million Mile Secrets

This one is a lot more common than you think...being terrified of getting on an aeroplane! We couldn’t imagine having to sacrifice hot holidays abroad because of this phobia, but for some people the fear of flying is just too unbearable to deal with.

Astraphobia: Fear of thunder and lightning

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Most people think that only children are afraid of thunderstorms, but it can affect adults too and happens to be one of the most common specific phobias. Therapy and medication can help alleviate the anxiety associated with a phobia, but it may be a good idea to live somewhere with good weather!

Bibliophobia: Fear of books

Image Source: Quizlet

This would be a pretty difficult phobia to have…a fear of books! This phobia is classed as an anxiety disorder, and the person may fear all types of books or a specific type. It’s lucky technology has advanced so much that it should be quite easy to avoid them!

Botanophobia: Fear of plants

Image Source: Freepik

Can you imagine having an intense fear of plants? Well, some people genuinely have a phobia of plants and avoid them at all costs with the belief they may be harmful or dangerous. For severe cases, people have cognitive behavioural therapy to overcome the fear.

Cacophobia: Fear of ugliness

Image Source: Big Think

I bet you haven’t heard of this one before…being afraid of ugliness! This phobia can come in all shapes and sizes, quite literally. We can only hope the people with this phobia are pretty good looking or they might struggle to look in the mirror every day!

Catoptrophobia: Fear of mirrors

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Maybe it’s the shape, maybe it’s the surface, maybe it’s shine? We have no idea what exactly it might be, but there are people out there with a phobia of mirrors. Can you imagine never being able to take a look at your reflection without being terrified?

Chionophobia: Fear of snow

Image Source: Verywell Mind

We can only hope people with a fear of snow don’t live in the North Pole…in fact, let’s hope they don’t live anywhere too cold! People with this phobia have an irrational fear of the texture of snow, as well as the sound it makes when you step through it.

Chrometophobia: Fear of spending money

Image Source: MoneyNing

We’ve all come across people who may seem ‘tight’ when it comes to spending money, but this may because they don’t have much money and need to budget. People with chrometophobia have an irrational fear of spending money, even though money is not a problem.

Chronophobia: Fear of time

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Although this is a very rare phobia, there are people who suffer with the fear of time. It is classed as an anxiety disorder, with an intense feeling of dread when the individual thinks about time passing by them with links to achievement and mortality. 

Coulrophobia: Fear of clowns

Image Source: Britannica

They feature in some of the scariest horror movies out there, making anyone pretty terrier of clowns. So, although it may seem like a common fear, people with coulrophobia have a very irrational fear of them which can significantly impact their everyday life.

Dentophobia: Fear of dentists

Image Source: Dupont Dental

We know a lot of people aren’t keen on going to the dentist, mainly because they are worried about receiving bad news and the hefty bill that comes with it. But people with dentophobia have an intensely irrational fear of going, putting their dental health at major risk.

Elurophobia: Fear of cats

Image Source: Exploring Your Mind

We all know you’re either a cat person or a dog person…and usually, they’re not a cat person. However, people with this phobia have an intense fear of this common household pet. Because they are so independent, you’ll often find them roaming the streets making them hard to avoid!

Emetophobia: Fear of vomiting

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Nobody particularly enjoys vomiting, but although it is an unpleasant experience it is a common occurrence and is not a life-threatening illness. However, people with emetophobia have an irrational fear of vomiting which can cause them to avoid social situations.

Ephebiphobia: Fear of teenagers

Image Source: Troubled Teens

You might not believe this one, but there are people with an irrational fear of encountering teenagers. The thought of talking or confronting a teenager would send them into a fill blown panic attack, triggered by the fear of what might happen to them.

Genuphobia: Fear of knees

Image Source: The Latch

This one isn’t as uncommon as you’d think…people with this phobia are repulsed by how knees look, the thought of touching knees or having to kneel down. Their fear may also be linked to the thought of injuring their knee, such including an ACL tear or dislocation.

Heliophobia: Fear of the sun

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Not everyone enjoys the sunshine, especially those who suffer with the heat and burn easily. But people with heliophobia have an intense fear of the sun and bright light, which heavily impacts their daily life. We can’t imagine not being a sun worshiper, but it’s not for everyone!

Herpetophobia: Fear of reptiles

Image Source: Seeker

People with this phobia have an intense fear of reptiles, particularly snakes and lizards. It actually happens to be a common specific phobia, as many people are somewhat fearful of these creatures. However, some individuals find it interferes with their functioning and wellbeing. 

Koumpounophobia: Fear of buttons

Image Source: Bustle

Having a phobia of buttons may not seem like a big deal at first, but when you really think about it buttons are everywhere! Shirts, trousers, coats… pretty much all clothing items feature some sort of button. People with this phobia must have to really think about their fashion choices.

Lilapsophobia: Fear of tornadoes and hurricanes

Image Source: Psych Times

This probably doesn’t sound like the most irrational phobia out there because most people would be fearful of getting caught in a tornado or hurricane. However, this phobia is an intense fear that impacts the individuals daily life and requires psychological input.

Mysophobia: Fear of germs

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This isn’t just about being obsessed with washing your hands…this is an extreme fear of germs, meaning you’ll go out of your way to avoid any situation that may expose you to germs. We can’t imagine a global pandemic has made things any easier for people with this phobia!

Nomophobia: Fear of being without your mobile phone

Image Source: Flickr

This one really does emphasise how much technology has taken over our lives…a fear of not having your mobile phone on you. Although most of us feel safer having a mode of contact when on the move, this is quickly becoming a problematic fear amongst the younger generation.

Ostraconophobia: Fear of shellfish

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We know a lot of people can be fussy when it comes to eating seafood, but there are people with an irrational fear of it meaning they can’t stand the sight of it…let alone the smell! Although some people simply avoid it from their diet, others have an unhealthy fear.

Philematophobia: Fear of kissing

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We can’t imagine having a fear of kissing, but it tends to be more common amongst the younger generation who tend to be more inexperienced kissers. The phobia stems from a fear of doing something wrong and embarrassing themselves, meaning they avoid it all together.

Fdarfphobia: Fear of phobias

Image Source: HelpGuide.org

This one really tops them all…a phobia of having a phobia. But this is a genuine disorder people suffer with, having an intense fear of being afraid. The person becomes so terrified of developing a phobic disorder, that this in itself becomes the phobia.

Wiccaphobia: Fear of witches and witchcraft

Image Source: Phobia Wiki - Fandom

This phobia has a historical significance, as this was considered a societal norm from the 14th to the 17th century which was known as the ‘Burning Times’. During this period, witchcraft was a capital offence and they were hunted down and burnt to death.

Zuigerphobia: Fear of vacuum cleaners

Image Source: West Park Animal Hospital

You can’t start using this phobia as an excuse not to do the cleaning…people have a genuine irrational fear of vacuum cleaners, avoiding them at all costs. It is considered a specific phobia, which is more common amongst children and animals but it can affect adults too.

Achluophobia – Fear of Darkness

Image Source / UnsplashNo matter what your age, you have to admit darkness is pretty scary - or maybe it's more the fear of what's hiding in the darkness? We all know there's nothing to be feared from darkness, but it doesn't make it any less creepy.

Agoraphobia – Fear of Open Spaces

Image Source / WikipediaPeople who suffer from agoraphobia might end up not leaving the house at all because they're so afraid of open spaces. To be fair, it's pretty daunting to be in a huge open space with the potential of people coming to crowd around you, or even just the open space being something out of your control.

Atychiphobia – Fear of Failing

Image Source / Dr. Jim TaylorIf you have a serious fear of failing you may find yourself not even attempted anything in the first place because the fear that you'll fail is so strong - which of course is no way to live at all. You may feel extreme terror over anything that has a pass or fail outcome, like a school exam or driver's test.

Barophobia – Fear of Gravity

Image Source / www.wise-geek.comThis one has got to be a tough one to deal with seeing as there is literally nothing you can do about it, every second of the day (except maybe become an astronaut). I don't know why gravity would be a scary concept, but maybe it's just one of those existential fears of gravity actually existing.

Claustrophobia – Fear of Small Spaces

Image Source / SharedThis one is common along a lot of people, and although small spaces can't hurt you, of course, the idea that you might become trapped or crushed or suffocated is, you know... pretty scary. Small spaces just make your tummy go all funny, don't they?

Cynophobia – Fear of Dogs

Image Source / Bloody DisgustingWe don't deserve dogs. They're unconditional companions. But for some people, they can be their biggest fear. This could usually stem from a bad experience with a dog which might have attacked you or acted aggressively towards you, but for some people it can just be the thought that it might happen.

Dystychiphobia – Fear of Accidents

Image Source / RACAccidents happen. Which is also why this fear makes sense, if you're afraid of the possibility of being involved in an accident. Unfortunately, this might mean that you avoid A LOT of situations simply to avoid the chance of an accident. Like driving in a car, walking down the street, going to work...

Equinophobia – Fear of Horses

Image Source / Horse tack and equestrian gearYou definitely have to respect horses. They could kick you, trample you, throw you off... having a fear or horses certainly makes sense. This fear can usually stem if you've had a bad experience with a horse, such as thrown off from one in the past.

Gamophobia – Fear of Marriage

Image Source / BuzzFeedThere are a lot of commitment-phobes out there, so it should come as no surprise that fear of marriage is a legitimate thing. But this fear can actually ruin a lot of relationships if you have it, because you're too scared to make that long-term commitment.

Glossophobia – Fear of Speaking in Public

Image Source / Presentation GuruAnyone who was forced into a class presentation in school will know this fear all too well, and a lot of people struggle with this one. Even the most accomplished public speakers can get the butterflies at the idea of public speaking.

Gynophobia – Fear of Women

Image Source / HealthlineThis one is of course complete irritational - there's nothing to fear from a woman. But some people may have this, and it may affect their social capabilities of interacting with women specifically. It could stem from bad experiences with women, or maybe even intense shyness.

Hemophobia – Fear of Blood

Image Source / WikipediaBlood is never a great thing to see, and most people will admit they feel a little anxious about seeing a bloody injury or even getting their blood taken. But Hemophobia is this fear taken to the absolute extreme and can even stop those people getting important shots or medical appointments just to avoid blood.

Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia – Fear of Long Words

Image Source / The Victorian Howler - WordPress.comThis one has to be a joke, surely? You're basically just kicking people when they're down with this one! How's that for irony. With a name that Mary Poppins would be proud of this, this fear relates to very long words and has also been considered a sort of social/conversational phobia. But as the saying goes... words can't hurt you. Can they?

Hydrophobia – Fear of Water

Image Source / LoneSwimmerThe ocean is a very scary place, let's be honest. Even the people without this phobia have to admit the idea of the deep blue sea is a scary one. But Hydrophobia doesn't just able to the sea - people who struggle with this may also be afraid of taking a simple bath or shower.

Hypochondria – Fear of Illness

Image Source / Times of IndiaIf you've ever heard someone you know being called a hypochondriac - or maybe even been called it yourself - this is why. Hypochondria is a fear of illnesses, which means you'll constantly be worrying about catching something, spreading germs or even just going out in public in the fear that you might catch something contagious.

Iatrophobia – Fear of Doctors

Image Source / Physician's WeeklyWe've probably all had that one doctor at some point in our lives that makes us dread going to an appointment. An intense fear of doctors may see you avoiding going to the doctors or hospitals altogether, though, which can be very problematic for your health.

Insectophobia – Fear of Insects

Image Source / Diamond Pest ControlInsects are a huge pain, and for some people they can be more than that. They can be the reason that people with Insectophobia stay away from an enjoyable hike, outdoor camping sesh or outdoor concert. Even worse if you live in a country that's renowned for the biggest and baddest!

Koinoniphobia – Fear of Crowds/People In Rooms

Image Source / International SOSThere are actually a few good reasons to be afraid of large groups of people, if you're thinking of the worst - such as a fight breaking out, mob mentality, crowd panic and possibly getting trampled. All of these are obviously very unlikely in (most) circumstances but a lot of people can avoid big groups of people for good measure.

Megalophobia – Fear of Large Things

Image Source / Times Square ChroniclesWe've all seen those megalophobia-inspiring images of huge buildings, massive ships or just inhumanly big constructs and this fear actually makes sense - especially when you're stood next to something impossibly huge. Even just looking at a photo can set of megalophobia for some people.

Microphobia - Fear of Small Things

Image Source / YouTubeThis one relates mostly to microscopic things, like the threat of germs, or even tiny insects. To be fair, there is something scary about thinking about all these tiny insects that could go unnoticed, like ants or bedbugs. It's the little things that count - but sometimes, also, not.