pyrophobia

1 9.9

A very strong fear of fire

noun
/ˌpaɪrəˈfoʊbiə/

Specialized

: pirofobia

Her pyrophobia made it difficult for her to enjoy camping.

Examples

People with pyrophobia may avoid camping or lighting candles.
His severe pyrophobia made it impossible for him to attend the family barbecue.
After seeing the devastating forest fire, her pyrophobia became much worse.
Do you think pyrophobia can be treated effectively?
Her pyrophobia made it difficult for her to enjoy camping trips, as the thought of fire terrified her.
Despite the bonfire's warmth, his pyrophobia prevented him from getting too close to the flames.
People with pyrophobia often avoid places where they might encounter open flames, such as kitchens and fireplaces.

Synonyms

phobia

vspyrophobia

Specialized

58 5.1

A very strong, unreasonable fear of a specific thing or situation

is limited to fear of fire rather than any object, activity, or situation

simple phobia

vspyrophobia

Specialized

1 5.6

A strong, unreasonable fear of a specific thing or situation, like spiders and heights

is focused on fear of fire specifically rather than any specific object

How Afraid

terror

334 4.9

pyrophobia

Specialized

1 9.9

panic

424 2.7

fear

∞ 1.0

unease

21 4.4

Surface Forms

pyrophobia singular

pyrophobias plural

Morphology

pyrophobia = phobia (transparent) = pyro + phobia

The meaning is directly compositional: 'pyro-' means fire and 'phobia' means fear, so the whole word means fear of fire.

Etymology

Pyrophobia comes from Greek parts pyro- 'fire' and -phobia 'fear'. So, pyrophobia means a very strong or unusual fear of fire, which is why someone with it may avoid candles, campfires, or places with flames.