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

Diagnosed with agoraphobia, Angela forced herself to keep going.

From BBC • Jan. 26, 2026

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

From Barron's • Nov. 21, 2025

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 • Nov. 1, 2024

He tells funny, relatable anecdotes about his experiences with, and efforts to manage, depression, anxiety and agoraphobia.

From New York Times • Apr. 22, 2023

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