Erotophobia is a term referring to someone who has an irrational or abnormal fear of sexuality or sexual things. Its spelling is based on the Greek root words "eros," meaning "love/sexual desire" and "phobos," meaning "fear." In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is spelled /ɛrətoʊfobiə/. The first syllable is pronounced as "er-uh," the second as "toh," and the third as "foh-bee-uh." The final "a" is pronounced as "uh." This term is used in psychology and sexual health fields to describe certain conditions or behaviors related to sexual activity.
Erotophobia is a noun derived from the combination of the Greek word "eros" which signifies love and desire, and the suffix "-phobia" which implies an extreme or irrational fear or aversion. It refers to an intense, irrational, and persistent fear or anxiety pertaining to matters related to sexuality, sex, or sexual desires. Individuals who suffer from erotophobia may experience distress, avoidance, or discomfort when confronted with sexual thoughts, acts, or discussions.
This phobia can manifest itself in various ways, including a strong aversion to any sexual content, an overwhelming fear of engaging in sexual activities, or an extreme discomfort when confronted with discussions or representations of sexuality. This aversion can stem from a variety of factors such as cultural, religious, or personal beliefs, as well as traumatic experiences related to sexuality.
Erotophobia can significantly impact an individual's personal and social life, as it may interfere with intimate relationships, hinder sexual exploration, and impede the development of a healthy sexual identity. It can also lead to feelings of guilt, shame, or isolation.
Treatment options for erotophobia may include therapy approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, and psychoeducation. These therapeutic interventions aim to help individuals challenge and restructure negative thoughts and beliefs about sexuality, gradually expose them to sexual content or experiences, and provide a safe and supportive environment for exploring and understanding their fears and anxieties related to sexuality.
A morbid aversion to the thought of sexual love and to its physical expression.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "erotophobia" is derived from two roots: "eros" and "phobia".
"Eros" refers to the Greek god of love and desire. In Greek mythology, Eros was the son of Aphrodite and represented passionate love, desire, and sexuality.
"Phobia" comes from the Greek word "phobos", meaning fear or aversion. It is commonly used as a suffix in English to indicate an extreme or irrational fear of something.
So, combining the two roots, "erotophobia" refers to an irrational or extreme fear or aversion towards love, desire, or sexuality.