claustrophobic
adjective
claus·tro·pho·bic
ˌklȯ-strə-ˈfō-bik 
1
: affected with or inclined to claustrophobia
2
: inducing or suggesting claustrophobia
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
Some people might find the rear passenger area to be too claustrophobic or dark, some people will never get used to the digital rearview mirror, and others just won’t like the look.
—
Daniel Golson, The Verge, 14 Nov. 2023
Whereas that technique gave Candyman an appropriately claustrophobic atmosphere, in The Marvels the results are more intimate.
—Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Nov. 2023
The result is claustrophobic, the narrative equivalent of looking down a long, dark tunnel.
—Sebastian Smee, Washington Post, 7 Nov. 2023
The atmosphere is tense and sometimes almost claustrophobic, especially when tensions heat up, but there is also traditional drama and romance in the storylines.
—Marta Balaga, Variety, 12 Oct. 2023
Set inside a Texas motel, the tone of the game is hot, sweaty, boxed-in, claustrophobic and chaotic.
—Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2023
The front half of the cabin is cozy but not claustrophobic, although there's a distinct lack of storage beyond the door pockets.
—Andrew Krok, Car and Driver, 29 Aug. 2023
Meal prep can feel claustrophobic and boring in a tiny kitchen, no matter how stocked your cabinets are.
—Medgina Saint-Elien, House Beautiful, 28 Aug. 2023
The space is getting claustrophobic, and the atmosphere is tense.
—Ivana Kottasová, CNN, 16 Oct. 2023
See More
Daniel Golson, The Verge, 14 Nov. 2023
Whereas that technique gave Candyman an appropriately claustrophobic atmosphere, in The Marvels the results are more intimate.
—Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Nov. 2023
The result is claustrophobic, the narrative equivalent of looking down a long, dark tunnel.
—Sebastian Smee, Washington Post, 7 Nov. 2023
The atmosphere is tense and sometimes almost claustrophobic, especially when tensions heat up, but there is also traditional drama and romance in the storylines.
—Marta Balaga, Variety, 12 Oct. 2023
Set inside a Texas motel, the tone of the game is hot, sweaty, boxed-in, claustrophobic and chaotic.
—Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2023
The front half of the cabin is cozy but not claustrophobic, although there's a distinct lack of storage beyond the door pockets.
—Andrew Krok, Car and Driver, 29 Aug. 2023
Meal prep can feel claustrophobic and boring in a tiny kitchen, no matter how stocked your cabinets are.
—Medgina Saint-Elien, House Beautiful, 28 Aug. 2023
The space is getting claustrophobic, and the atmosphere is tense.
—Ivana Kottasová, CNN, 16 Oct. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'claustrophobic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
circa 1889, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of claustrophobic was
circa 1889
Articles Related to claustrophobic
Dictionary Entries Near claustrophobic
Cite this Entry
“Claustrophobic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/claustrophobic. Accessed 28 Nov. 2023.
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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
claustrophobic
2 of 2 noun
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