phobic

The combining form -phobic is used like a suffix to create the adjective form of words ending in -phobe, a form that roughly means “someone with a fear.” In other words, -phobic means “of, relating to, or characteristic of something with a fear.” It is often used in scientific terms, especially in psychology and biology.

The form -phobic is made from a combination of two combining forms. The first is -phobe, from Greek phóbos, meaning “fear” or “panic.” The second form is the suffix -ic. The suffix -ic ultimately comes from Greek -ikos, an ending used to form adjectives.

What are variants of –phobic?

While -phobic doesn’t have any variants, it is related to two other combining forms: -phobia and -phobe. Want to know more? Check out our Words that Use articles for each form.

An example of a word you may have encountered that features -phobic is agoraphobic, “of, relating to, or characteristic of an irrational or disproportionate fear of being in crowds, public places, or open areas.”

The agora- part of the word comes from Greek agorā́, meaning “assembly” or “marketplace,” while -phobic means “relating to something with a phobia.” Agoraphobic literally translates to “relating to a fear of the marketplace.”

What are some words that use the combining form –phobic?

• claustrophobic
• hydrophobic
• lyophobic
• photophobic
• transphobic
• xenophobic

What are some other forms that -phobic may be commonly confused with?

• -philic
• -phone
• -phony
• -phore

The combining form hydro- means “water.” With this in mind, what does the scientific term hydrophobic mean in everyday language?