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

Centering on twin brothers on the run from Chicago with the hopes of opening a juke joint in their hometown in Mississippi, the story soon reveals a greater evil, unfolding into a gothic, slow-burning, claustrophobic vampire tale. —Kemi Alemoru, Glamour, 14 Mar. 2026

Within mere seconds, campers will be whisked from the claustrophobic stress of a long, harrowing mountain drive to the breezy relaxation of drinks on a shaded porch. —New Atlas, 13 Mar. 2026

When Teo depicts the claustrophobic nature of a relationship where the temperature is constantly rising. —Literary Hub, 11 Mar. 2026

The midsole cushioning supported her arches while a breathable mesh upper prevented a sweaty, claustrophobic feeling in thick Florida heat. —Irene Richardson, InStyle, 11 Mar. 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