Phobophobia is a term that refers to the fear of developing a phobia. The spelling of this word derives from two roots: phobia, meaning fear, and phobos, meaning panic or fear. The first syllable "pho" is pronounced /foʊ/ as in phone, followed by the root "bo" pronounced /boʊ/ as in bow. The final syllable "phobia" is pronounced /foʊbiə/ as in phobia. The word is spelled with two "o's" together followed by "b" and then "o" because of the two roots used to create it.
Phobophobia is a noun that refers to an irrational and intense fear of developing or experiencing a phobia. It is derived from the Greek words "phobos" meaning fear or dread, and "phobia" meaning an extreme and persistent fear of a specific object, situation, or activity. Phobophobia can be seen as a meta-fear, a fear that centers specifically on the fear itself.
Individuals suffering from phobophobia may avoid various situations or circumstances out of a deep fear of developing a phobia. This fear may be triggered by their belief that developing a phobia would severely impact their quality of life, resulting in great distress and anxiety. Phobophobics may exhibit symptoms such as increased heart rate, trembling, sweating, and shortness of breath when faced with the possibility of encountering a situation or object that they perceive as threatening the development of a phobia.
It is important to note that phobophobia can significantly hinder an individual's day-to-day functioning and can lead to social withdrawal and isolation. It may be treated through various therapeutic approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, which aims to identify and challenge irrational thoughts and beliefs. Additionally, exposure therapy may be employed to gradually and safely expose individuals to feared situations or objects, helping them overcome their fear of developing a phobia.
A morbid dread of developing some phobia.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "phobophobia" is derived from two Greek roots: "phobos" (φόβος) meaning "fear", and "phobia" (φοβία) meaning "an extreme or irrational fear". When combining these two roots, "phobophobia" is formed, with the "phobo-" prefix being repeated. Essentially, "phobophobia" refers to the fear of fear itself or, more specifically, an irrational fear of developing phobias.