entomophobia

9.9

A very strong fear of insects that can cause panic

noun
/ˌɛntəmoʊˈfoʊbiə/

Specialized

: entomofobia

Her severe entomophobia made it impossible for her to spend time in gardens or parks.

Examples

People with entomophobia may experience panic attacks at the sight of any insect.
Her entomophobia made it difficult for her to enjoy camping.
He sought therapy to overcome his longstanding entomophobia.
Many people with entomophobia avoid gardens and parks.
She was unable to relax at the picnic because her entomophobia kept her on edge, fearing insects everywhere.
His entomophobia was so severe that even a picture of a spider would make him anxious.
After years of struggling with entomophobia, he finally found help through exposure therapy.

Synonyms

acarophobia

vsentomophobia

Specialized

9.9

An extreme fear of tiny insects, mites, or worms

is broader, covering fear of insects generally rather than only tiny species

How Afraid

entomophobia

Specialized

9.9

panic

424 2.7

fear

∞ 1.0

unease

21 4.4

indifference

66 4.6

Surface Forms

entomophobia singular

entomophobias plural

Morphology

entomophobia = phobia (semi-transparent) = entomo + phobia

The root 'entomo' is not a standalone English word, but 'phobia' is recognizable, making the term semi-transparent.

Etymology

Entomophobia comes from Greek parts entomo- 'insect' and -phobia 'fear'. You can see entomo- in entomology, the study of insects, and the -phobia part in arachnophobia, so entomophobia means a very strong fear of insects.