aichmophobia

noun

aich·​mo·​pho·​bia ˌāk-mə-ˈfō-bē-ə How to pronounce aichmophobia (audio)
-mō-
: a morbid fear of sharp or pointed objects (such as scissors, knives, or hypodermic needles) : belonephobia
While there is probably a touch of aichmophobia in all humans, most of us tough it out, look the other way or think of something else when we get shots …Ranit Mishori
aichmophobe noun
plural aichmophobes
aichmophobic adjective
… it eases people into acupuncture when they're aichmophobic (afraid of pointy objects) because it's also relaxing and comforting. Tricia Caspers

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French aichmophobie, from Greek aichmḗ "point of a spear, spear" + French -o- -o- + -phobie -phobia; aichmḗ going back to Indo-European *h2ei̯ḱ-(s)m- (whence also Lithuanian iẽšmas "spit, skewer," Old Prussian aysmis), perhaps derivative of a verbal base *h2ei̯ḱ- "run through (with a pointed object), spear, skewer"

Note: See the etymology of Latin īcere "to strike with a weapon, smite" at ictus.

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of aichmophobia was in 1893

Dictionary Entries Near aichmophobia

Cite this Entry

“Aichmophobia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aichmophobia. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

aichmophobia

noun
aich·​mo·​pho·​bia ˌāk-mə-ˈfō-bē-ə, -mō- How to pronounce aichmophobia (audio)
: a morbid fear of sharp or pointed objects (such as scissors or a needle)

called also belonephobia

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