How Do You Spell POTAMOPHOBIA?

Pronunciation: [pˌɒtɐməfˈə͡ʊbi͡ə] (IPA)

Potamophobia is a term that refers to an irrational fear of rivers or running water. The word is spelled using the Greek root word for river, "potamos," and the suffix "-phobia," meaning fear. The phonetic transcription of "potamophobia" is /pɒtəmə'fəʊbɪə/, with emphasis on the second syllable. This word is particularly interesting because it is not commonly known, but it is useful for describing a specific type of phobia that some individuals may experience.

POTAMOPHOBIA Meaning and Definition

1. Potamophobia is a noun that refers to an irrational and excessive fear or aversion towards rivers or running water. It is derived from the Greek words "pótamos" (meaning river) and "phobos" (meaning fear). People suffering from potamophobia experience intense anxiety and dread when exposed to situations involving rivers, such as swimming, boating, or even crossing a bridge over a river. This phobia may also manifest as a general fear of open bodies of water, including lakes and oceans, if it is rooted in the fear of the uncontrollable and powerful nature of water.

   Potamophobia is classified as a specific phobia, which typically arises from a traumatic experience related to rivers or water. For instance, a person may develop this fear after experiencing a near-drowning incident or witnessing a loved one being harmed in a body of water. The individual may also develop potamophobia due to cultural or religious beliefs that associate rivers or water bodies with danger or negative events.

   Symptoms of potamophobia can include rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, trembling, sweating, and a strong desire to avoid situations involving rivers or any form of water. It can significantly impact a person's ability to engage in daily activities and can cause distress and impairment in their social and professional life. If left untreated, potamophobia can lead to isolation and the avoidance of experiences that may involve rivers or water bodies. Therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or exposure therapy, is often recommended to help individuals manage and overcome their fear of rivers or running water.

2. Morbid fears aroused by the sight, and sometimes thought, of a river or any stream.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for POTAMOPHOBIA

• ootamophobia
• lotamophobia
• -otamophobia
• 0otamophobia
• pitamophobia
• pktamophobia
• pltamophobia
• pptamophobia
• p0tamophobia
• p9tamophobia
• poramophobia
• pofamophobia
• pogamophobia
• poyamophobia
• po6amophobia
• po5amophobia
• potzmophobia
• potsmophobia
• potwmophobia
• potqmophobia

Etymology of POTAMOPHOBIA

The word "potamophobia" is derived from two Greek roots: "potamos" meaning "river" and "phobos" meaning "fear" or "phobia". When combined, the word forms "potamophobia", which refers to the fear or phobia of rivers.