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

Through the claustrophobic conifers, granite peaks loomed in the wide open beyond. —Scott Haugen, Outdoor Life, 13 Aug. 2025

Removing the rubble had already shut down PCH for months and crippled local businesses, but a rebuild would likely shrink PCH again as heavy equipment navigates the claustrophobic stretch of land. —Jason Kravarik, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2025

New York City is colorful, noisy, aggressive, exciting, claustrophobic, jagged, and highly stimulating. —Jessica Gross august 8, Literary Hub, 8 Aug. 2025

Armed crew members creeping through dim, claustrophobic hallways where death could be lurking around any corner. —Judy Berman, Time, 5 Aug. 2025

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