neophobia

/ ˌniːəʊˈfəʊbɪə /

noun

1. a tendency to dislike anything new; fear of novelty

Other Word Forms

• neophobe noun
• neophobic adjective

Example Sentences

Disgust and food neophobia – a fear of new foods – are often cited as obstacles to adopting new, more sustainable food choices, but I believe that recent history offers a more complicated picture.

From Salon

She developed her fear of food – known as neophobia – when she was 18 months old and went on to munch through five slices of toast every day.

From Fox News

“Their nature,” said Mr. Deutsch, “is to explore. They do exhibit a behavior called neophobia, which is fear of new things. But they can overcome that.”

From New York Times

They lose some of what scientists call food “neophobia,” the fear of new flavors, and their greater willingness to explore the surrounding foodscape may increase the odds of a medicinal discovery.

From New York Times

Sugar is the notable exception to “food neophobia,” as researchers call that early innate fear.

From New York Times