Kynophobia, the fear of dogs, is spelled with the letter "k" instead of the more common "c". This unusual spelling is due to the Greek origin of the word. In Greek, "kynos" (κύνος) means dog, and "phobos" (φόβος) means fear. The "k" sound in Greek is represented by the letter "kappa" (καππα) and is pronounced as /k/. Therefore, "kyno" is pronounced as /kʌɪnəʊ/. When combined with "phobia", the spelling becomes "kynophobia" (/kʌɪnəʊ'fəʊbɪə/).
Kynophobia is a noun rooted in Greek origin which refers to an extreme and irrational fear or phobia of dogs. The term combines two Greek words: "kyon" meaning "dog" and "phobos" meaning "fear." Kynophobia is classified as a specific phobia under the broader category of anxiety disorders.
Individuals afflicted with kynophobia experience intense and unwarranted feelings of dread, panic, and anxiety in the presence of dogs or even the mere thought of encountering them. These individuals may display a range of symptoms in response to their fear, including increased heart rate, shortness of breath, trembling, sweating, and an overwhelming desire to avoid dogs at all costs. It is important to note that kynophobia is not synonymous with a dislike or a preference for avoiding dogs, but rather an excessive and disproportionate fear that affects one's daily life.
Kynophobia can occur due to a variety of factors, including traumatic experiences with dogs, exposure to media depictions of aggressive or ferocious dogs, or inherent predisposition to anxiety disorders. Like other phobias, it can be treated through various therapeutic methods, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or exposure therapy, which involve gradually exposing the individual to their fear in a controlled and safe environment with the aim of reducing anxiety levels and eventually overcoming the phobia.
Overall, kynophobia is a specific phobia characterized by an irrational and overwhelming fear of dogs, which can significantly impact an individual's quality of life and mental well-being if left untreated.
Cynophobia.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "kynophobia" is derived from the Greek words "kýōn" (meaning "dog") and "phóbos" (meaning "fear"). When combined, these words create "kynophobia", which specifically refers to an intense or irrational fear of dogs.