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

Explanation

Frolicking in a huge field of flowers might sound like a great time. But if you suffered from agoraphobia, it would be terrifying — because you would be afraid of open spaces. In a world with so many fears, there’s a phobia for every occasion. Agoraphobia is the fear of wide open spaces. The Greek root agora means “public open space” and “marketplace,” so agoraphobia is also the fear of crowds, like the kind you’d find in a busy supermarket. Like all phobias, agoraphobia can make someone panic and freak out, so if you see a person experiencing agoraphobia, maybe put them inside a closet and see if that helps.

Example Sentences

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

From Barron's • Nov. 21, 2025

The host, Drew Linsalata, is a self-described “former sufferer” of panic disorder, agoraphobia and depression.

From New York Times • Apr. 27, 2024

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 • Mar. 15, 2024

She no longer wanted to tour, her fear of flying having become debilitating, while agoraphobia made her "frightened to even leave my doorstep".

From BBC • Nov. 30, 2022

An agoraphobia rose in her, speeding higher and higher, bigger and bigger; she would not be able to contain it; there would no end to fear.

From "The Woman Warrior" by Maxine Hong Kingston