claustrophobia

noun

claus·​tro·​pho·​bia ˌklȯ-strə-ˈfō-bē-ə 

1

: abnormal dread of being in closed or narrow spaces

2

: a feeling of discomfort or discontent caused by being in a limiting or restrictive situation or environment

While recovering in the hospital, she recognizes the claustrophobia of her working-class life, shared with a suffocatingly affectionate mother and a dud of a dad.

—Barbara Tritel

claustrophobe

ˈklȯ-strə-ˌfōb 

noun

Examples of claustrophobia in a Sentence

She doesn't go in elevators because of her claustrophobia.

the claustrophobia of small-town life

Recent Examples on the Web

What works in Dead Man’s Wire is its stylistic claustrophobia and its prevailing mood of disillusionment. —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 2 Sep. 2025

Walking has become something of a national phenomenon since the COVID-19 pandemic, when millions of people out of claustrophobia discovered the simple pleasures and profound effects of experiencing the world around them on foot. —Michael McColly, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2025

Many vestiges of the ship’s seafaring past remain intact, however, from a claustrophobia-inducing propeller shaft to six original lifeboats hanging from pulleys on either side of the vessel. —Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2025

The stories explore isolation and exude a sense of claustrophobia. —Karim Kattan, The Dial, 19 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin claustrum + New Latin -phobia

First Known Use

1879, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for claustrophobia

• rhizobia
• agoraphobia
• homophobia
• hydrophobia
• photophobia
• xenophobia
• phobia

Kids Definition

claustrophobia

noun

claus·​tro·​pho·​bia ˌklȯ-strə-ˈfō-bē-ə 

: abnormal fear of being in closed or narrow spaces

claustrophobic

-ˈfō-bik

adjective

Medical Definition

claustrophobia

noun

claus·​tro·​pho·​bia ˌklȯ-strə-ˈfō-bē-ə 

: abnormal dread of being in closed or narrow spaces