claustrophobia

[ klaw-struh-foh-bee-uh ]

noun

, Psychiatry.

1. an irrational or disproportionate fear of being in small or confined places and being unable to escape.

claustrophobia

/ ˌklɒs-; ˌklɔːstrəˈfəʊbɪə /

noun

1. an abnormal fear of being closed in or of being in a confined space

claustrophobia

1. An abnormal fear of being shut in or enclosed.

Derived Forms

• ˈclaustroˌphobe, noun

Other Words From

• claus·tro·pho·bic adjective noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of claustrophobia¹

First recorded in 1875–80; from Latin claustr(um) “bolt” + -o- + -phobia; claustrum

Word History and Origins

Origin of claustrophobia¹

C19: from claustro-, from Latin claustrum cloister + -phobia

Example Sentences

The ability to work remotely filled my days, and large windows with a beautiful view helped to ward off claustrophobia.

From ProPublica

What “Framing Britney Spears” evokes so viscerally is the claustrophobia and frustration of being Britney Spears.

From Washington Post

When I stepped into his 6- by 13-foot cell, I had instant claustrophobia.

From The Daily Beast

Arachnophobia is an irrational fear of spiders and claustrophobia is an irrational fear of small places.

From The Daily Beast

You hear stories about going loopy from claustrophobia and stuff.

From Project Gutenberg

The cigar was his protection, his secret weapon, against the claustrophobia the mosquitero gave him.

From Project Gutenberg

I know it's horrible—many of our visitors suffer claustrophobia, but they just must be built that way.

From Project Gutenberg

Claustrophobia is the malady of those who have a horror of close quarters from which they can not easily make their escape.

From Project Gutenberg

To-day he was feeling the claustrophobia of London more acutely than usual.

From Project Gutenberg

More About Claustrophobia

What does claustrophobia mean?

Claustrophobia is the fear of being in (and not being able to get out of) small or confined spaces, such as tunnels, elevators, and crowded rooms.

Claustrophobia is recognized as a psychological disorder and is often considered a kind of anxiety disorder. Those who are diagnosed with it often experience extreme anxiety when in confined spaces or when facing the possibility of being in one, which can result in a panic attack. But the word claustrophobia is also commonly used in a more general way to refer to the anxious discomfort that many people feel when they’re in an enclosed space. (In this way, many people’s feelings of claustrophobia don’t constitute a disorder.)

Phobias are fears associated with specific objects or activities. These abnormal (unusual) fears are typically considered irrational (not based on reason) because the object of the fear isn’t usually harmful. Often, these fears are formed around a traumatic event.

A person who has claustrophobia can be described as claustrophobic. This adjective can also be used to describe confined spaces that may make people feel this way.

People with claustrophobia were once commonly referred to with the term claustrophobe, and some may still identify in this way, but this and many other similar labels based on medical conditions are often considered dehumanizing. It is now typically preferred to avoid the use of the word claustrophobe and focus on the person first instead of their condition, as in Kevin has claustrophobia (not Kevin is a claustrophobe) and People with claustrophobia (not Claustrophobes) usually avoid driving in tunnels.

Example: My claustrophobia prevents me from doing some things that other people take for granted, like taking the elevator.

Where does claustrophobia come from?

The first records of the word claustrophobia come from the late 1800s. It comes from the Latin claustr(um), meaning “barrier,” and -phobia, from a Greek word meaning “fear.” It follows the same pattern as many words for specific phobias, such as arachnophobia (fear of spiders).

Claustrophobia is one of the most common phobias. However, not everyone who has feelings of claustrophobia experiences them in a way that rises to the level of an anxiety disorder. Those who do may experience feelings of anxiety, hyperventilation, tightness in the chest, trembling, and panic attacks, among other symptoms. Treatment of claustrophobia can involve psychotherapy and medication.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to claustrophobia?

• claustrophobic (adjective)

What are some words that share a root or word element with claustrophobia? 

 

• claustrum
• arachnophobia
• phobia

 

What are some words that often get used in discussing claustrophobia?

• fear
• confined
• enclosed
• spaces
• anxiety
• anxiety disorder
• panic attack
• cabin fever

How is claustrophobia used in real life?

Claustrophobia is the name for a kind of anxiety disorder, but it’s also commonly used in a general way to refer to any discomfort in tight spaces.

I love minimalist apartments. the space is limited but well made. despite my claustrophobia, I would really love to have one.

— rob, teenage mobster (@robson0125) August 7, 2020

If I ever got sent to the penalty box in hockey I’d probably have a panic attack from the claustrophobia and overthinking of my misdeeds. Lol.

— Maizer’s BS ⚡️ (@maizer13) August 7, 2020

I wish I had something pithy to say about living in the middle of the maroon dots, but it just sucks. California is burning. It’s not safe outside, Bay Area homes don’t have AC, & public places that do, like libraries, are closed. It’s a claustrophobia I’ve never felt before. pic.twitter.com/qJGc53Y8Rk

— Hayley MacMillen (@hlmacmillen) August 22, 2020