claustrophobic

adjective

claus·​tro·​pho·​bic ˌklȯ-strə-ˈfō-bik How to pronounce claustrophobic (audio)
1
: affected with or inclined to claustrophobia
2
: inducing or suggesting claustrophobia
claustrophobically 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 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

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

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.

Medical Definition

claustrophobic

1 of 2 adjective
claus·​tro·​pho·​bic ˌklȯ-strə-ˈfō-bik How to pronounce claustrophobic (audio)
1
: suffering from or inclined to claustrophobia
2
: inducing or suggesting claustrophobia
claustrophobically adverb

claustrophobic

2 of 2 noun

More from Merriam-Webster on claustrophobic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!