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

These include visits to short stretches of tunnels open to the public (although those prone to claustrophobia will probably want to stay above ground). —Tamara Hinson, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Mar. 2026

Each show deals with claustrophobia in some way, either of a space, or of a mind. —Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2026

The claustrophobia of only one person, only one house. —Peter Larsen, Daily News, 7 Mar. 2026

The structure’s movement evokes unease and claustrophobia. —Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 25 Feb. 2026

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