agoraphobia

American  

[ag-er-uh-foh-bee-uh, uh-gawr‐] / ˌæg ər əˈfoʊ bi ə, əˌgɔr‐ /

noun

Psychiatry.

1. an irrational or disproportionate fear of being in crowds, public places, or open areas, often accompanied by anxiety attacks: In extreme cases, avoidance behaviors may render affected individuals homebound.

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agoraphobia British  

/ ˌæɡərəˈfəʊbɪə /

noun

1. a pathological fear of being in public places, often resulting in the sufferer becoming housebound

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Other Word Forms

• agoraphobic adjective

Etymology

Origin of agoraphobia

First recorded in 1870–75; agora ¹ + -phobia

Compare meaning

How does agoraphobia compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• agoraphobia vs. claustrophobia

Example Sentences

She said she developed agoraphobia and psoriasis after the harassment and needed antidepressants.

From Barron's

Both of her parents passed away when she was in her early 20s and Deen, then a young mother, struggled with depression and agoraphobia, or fear of going outside.

From Los Angeles Times

He developed agoraphobia, describing in 2019 how anxious he got leaving the house to order a coffee at a nearby Starbucks.

From Los Angeles Times

After Karen's attack she developed agoraphobia and still has days when she battles with her mental health.

From BBC

We’ve fallen in love with our bubble to the point that borderline agoraphobia has gone from an affliction to a remedy.

From Los Angeles Times