claustrophobic

adjective

claus·​tro·​pho·​bic ˌklȯ-strə-ˈfō-bik 

1

: affected with or inclined to claustrophobia

2

: inducing or suggesting claustrophobia

claustrophobically

ˌklȯ-strə-ˈfō-bi-k(ə-)lē 

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

The Last House gives us a story of claustrophobic competence. — Solitaire Townsend, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026

The full-size glass door also gives the sauna an architectural presence that, at the same time, keeps it from feeling claustrophobic. — Evan Russum, Architectural Digest, 22 Aug. 2026

When combined with the huge, steep hill that looms over the city centre, there can be a claustrophobic vibe. — Nick Miller, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Chase proves more clever in turning Maya’s harmless couch fort into a claustrophobic labyrinth. — Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1889, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for claustrophobic

• anaerobic
• homophobic
• hydrophobic
• aerobic
• phobic

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

claustrophobically

-bi-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

claustrophobic

2 of 2 noun

: claustrophobe