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

/ ˌklɔːstrəˈfəʊbɪə, ˌklɒs- /

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.

Other Word Forms

• claustrophobe noun
• claustrophobic adjective

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 film’s strongest game is its homage factor, especially in the way it captures much of the original’s claustrophobia.

From Salon

"It is an isolated environment, but I think this helps to give that kind of connection to being outside – to alleviate that sense of claustrophobia."

From BBC

The court was told Gaberova had been diagnosed with depression, panic disorder, claustrophobia and anxiety.

From BBC

It’s not suitable for young children or anyone with claustrophobia, rangers say, and the stairs are roughly as tall as a 20-story building.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s not only the claustrophobia of an enclosed space with strangers or control-seeking authorities but time itself that creates the feeling of dread.

From Los Angeles Times

When To Use

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.