agoraphobia

[ag-er-uh-foh-bee-uh, uh-gawr‐]

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.

agoraphobia

/ ˌæɡərəˈfəʊbɪə /

noun

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

Other Word Forms

• agoraphobic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of agoraphobia¹

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

Example Sentences

But as the question of Deen’s business savvy comes into question, “Canceled” cleverly switches gear, diving into an anecdote about Deen’s life pre-fame, enduring an abusive marriage and suffering from intense agoraphobia.

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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.

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

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There’s also the sense that it’s meaningful to Schumer that “Life & Beth” reflects the curveballs thrown at people in her age group — everything from simple gnawing insecurities to agoraphobia, addiction and depression.

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

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