monophobia

American  

[mon-uh-foh-bee-uh] / ˌmɒn əˈfoʊ bi ə /

noun

1. an irrational or disproportionate fear of being alone.

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monophobia British  

/ ˌmɒnəʊˈfəʊbɪə /

noun

1. a strong fear of being alone

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Usage

What does monophobia mean? Monophobia is the abnormal fear of being alone. Some people have phobias, which are ”fears associated with specific objects or activities.” These abnormal (unusual) fears are typically considered irrational (not based on reason) because the object of the fear isn’t usually harmful. Often, these fears are formed around a traumatic event. Monophobia is different from separation anxiety, but the two are sometimes discussed alongside each other. Example: My monophobia makes it difficult for me to take trips alone.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• monophobic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of monophobia

First recorded in 1880–85; mono- + -phobia

Example Sentences

Monophobia, mon-ō-fō′bi-a, n. morbid dread of being left alone.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 2 of 4: E-M) by Various