MOLYSMOPHOBIA Meaning and
Definition
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Molysmophobia refers to an intense and irrational fear or aversion towards contamination or dirt. This term originates from the combination of two Greek words: "molysmo," meaning "defilement," and "phobos," meaning "fear." It is classified as a specific phobia, which falls under the category of anxiety disorders.
Individuals affected by molysmophobia experience an overwhelming sense of anxiety and distress when exposed to or even anticipating contact with substances they perceive as dirty or contaminated. This fear extends beyond just germs and bacteria, often including a wide range of objects or situations like dirt, bodily fluids, public spaces, or even everyday activities like shaking hands or using public restrooms. The fear is not necessarily rational, as the contamination may be perceived where there is none or to an extent disproportionate to the actual risk.
People with molysmophobia may display various symptoms when confronted with their fears, such as trembling, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, or even full-blown panic attacks. They may go to great lengths to avoid anything they believe might be contaminated, leading to significant disruptions in their daily lives.
Treatment for molysmophobia typically involves psychotherapy, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). This therapy aims to challenge distorted beliefs and fears, gradually exposing the individual to their feared objects or situations in a controlled manner, and teaching them coping strategies and relaxation techniques.
Overall, molysmophobia is a phobia characterized by an excessive and irrational fear of contamination or dirt that can significantly impede an individual's functioning and quality of life.
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A morbid fear of infection, mysophobia.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for MOLYSMOPHOBIA
- molysmophobya
- molysmophobaa
- molysmophobma
- molysmophobha
- molysmophobii
- molysmophobie
- molysmophobic
- molysmophoebia
- m olysmophobia
- mo lysmophobia
- mol ysmophobia
- moly smophobia
- molys mophobia
- molysm ophobia
- molysmoph obia
- molysmopho bia
- molysmophob ia
- molysmophobi a
Etymology of MOLYSMOPHOBIA
The word "molysmophobia" is a compound of two elements: "molysmo-" and "-phobia".
The first element, "molysmo-" is derived from the Greek word "molysmos", meaning "stain" or "pollution". This root word is often used in the context of moral or ceremonial impurity.
The second element, "-phobia", is a combining form derived from the Greek word "phobos", which means "fear" or "aversion". "-Phobia" is commonly used to denote an extreme or irrational fear or aversion towards something.
Therefore, "molysmophobia" refers to the fear or aversion towards stains, pollution, or moral impurity.
