Definition of agoraphobia
: abnormal fear of being helpless in a situation from which escape may be difficult or embarrassing that is characterized initially often by panic or anticipatory anxiety and finally by the avoidance of open or public places
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Examples of agoraphobia in a Sentence
a patient suffering from agoraphobia
Did You Know?
The agora was the marketplace in ancient Greece; thus, agoraphobia often involves fear of public places and crowds. But it also may involve fear of being in shops, or even fear of being in open spaces, or fear of traveling alone. It may also be a fear of experiencing some uncontrollable or embarrassing event (like fainting) in the presence of others with no help available. Agoraphobia can be hard to understand for those who don't suffer from it, especially because it can take so many different forms, but it is often a serious and socially crippling condition.
Origin and Etymology of agoraphobia
New Latin, from Greek agora + New Latin -phobia
First Known Use: circa 1871
Other Psychology Terms
AGORAPHOBIA Defined for English Language Learners
agoraphobia
playDefinition of agoraphobia for English Language Learners
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: a fear of being in open or public places
Medical Dictionary
agoraphobia
playMedical Definition of agoraphobia
: abnormal fear of being helpless in a situation from which escape may be difficult or embarrassing that is characterized initially often by panic or anticipatory anxiety and finally by avoidance of open or public places
Learn More about agoraphobia
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Nglish: Translation of agoraphobia for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about agoraphobia
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