claustrophobic

adjective

claus·​tro·​pho·​bic ˌklȯ-strə-ˈfō-bik 

1

: affected with or inclined to claustrophobia

2

: inducing or suggesting claustrophobia

claustrophobically

ˌklȯ-strə-ˈfō-bi-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of claustrophobic in a Sentence

The theater can be a little claustrophobic when it's full.

She doesn't go in elevators because she is claustrophobic.

Recent Examples on the Web

Tiny Timber Homes Living in as small a space as a tiny house can sometimes feel a little claustrophobic, but the Kanuka tackles this by opening up to the outside with two double glass door entrances, filling the home with natural light. — New Atlas, 12 June 2026

Years in the darkness Trading the tropical sun and heat for the darkness and dampness underground is unsettling, and a visit to Vịnh Mốc offers a brief glimpse of the claustrophobic conditions. — Pavlo Fedykovych, CNN Money, 12 June 2026

According to designer Lauren Lerner, pushing the furniture to the perimeter is the key to preventing a claustrophobic look and feeling. — Tessa Cooper, The Spruce, 8 June 2026

Inside, interpreters demonstrate drilling equipment and detail how ore was extracted while revealing the dangerous, claustrophobic physical reality of mining. — Vivian Chung, Travel + Leisure, 7 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1889, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for claustrophobic

• anaerobic
• homophobic
• hydrophobic
• aerobic
• phobic

Medical Definition

claustrophobic

1 of 2 adjective

claus·​tro·​pho·​bic ˌklȯ-strə-ˈfō-bik 

1

: suffering from or inclined to claustrophobia

2

: inducing or suggesting claustrophobia

claustrophobically

-bi-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

claustrophobic

2 of 2 noun

: claustrophobe