This name concerns particular fabrics, rather than written text or messages. The material itself is the focus, which may be narrower than fear of clothing in general.

Possible triggers

Being asked to touch a particular fabric, sitting on upholstery made from it, or finding it in bedding or clothing.

Possible name origin

The first part may relate to Latin texere, to weave, also found in the history of textile. Phobia comes from Greek phobos, fear.

A fear of chemicals can affect everyday situations involving cleaning products, toxic fumes, bleach and chemicals. It may lead to monitoring sensations or bodily changes, avoiding particular situations, seeking reassurance, or organising routines around preventing the feared outcome.

Possible triggers

Reading a product's ingredient label, handling a cleaning product or hearing about chemical exposure.

Name origin

From Greek khemeia (chemistry) and -phobia.

A fear of clocks can affect everyday situations involving ticking clock, time ticking, wall clock and clock. It may lead to avoiding touching, using or being near the object, asking others to deal with it, changing routines, or checking surroundings for the trigger.

Possible triggers

Noticing a wall clock, hearing a clock tick or entering a room with several visible clocks.

Name origin

From Greek chronos (time) and metron (measure) with -phobia.

Clothing is the focus of this descriptive name. Fear of wearing an item is not the same as ordinary discomfort from poor fit or an irritating material.

Possible triggers

Putting on an unfamiliar garment, fastening clothing around the body, or anticipating wearing a particular uniform.

Possible name origin

Latin vestis means clothing or a garment. The ending phobia comes from Greek phobos, meaning fear.

Clothing buttons are the focus. The reaction can involve disgust as well as fear.

Possible triggers

Fastening a buttoned shirt, handling loose buttons or seeing a row of buttons on clothing.

Possible name origin

The name is commonly linked to Modern Greek words for buttons or fastening buttons, together with -phobia (fear). Its exact formation is uncertain.

A fear of clowns can affect parties, circuses, entertainment venues, advertising and events where a clown might appear. It may lead to checking in advance, avoiding particular events, leaving suddenly or becoming highly alert to clown faces, costumes or make-up.

Possible triggers

Encountering a clown at an event, seeing clown make-up or watching a clown character on screen.

Name origin

Origin uncertain; possibly from Greek kolobatheron (stilt-walker) combined with -phobia.

A fear of clusters of holes can affect everyday situations involving hole pattern, clustered holes, porous texture and small holes. It may lead to scanning for the sensation or visual cue, avoiding particular environments or objects, leaving situations early, or arranging surroundings to prevent encountering it.

Possible triggers

Examples include noticing the clustered holes in a sponge or honeycomb, looking closely at a lotus seed pod or seeing a close-up photograph of these patterns.

Name origin

From Greek trypa (hole) and -phobia.

A fear of colours can affect everyday situations involving colourful room, bright colours, vivid colours and strong colour. It may lead to scanning for the sensation or visual cue, avoiding particular environments or objects, leaving situations early, or arranging surroundings to prevent encountering it.

Possible triggers

Entering a brightly coloured room, choosing coloured clothing or encountering the particular colour you fear.

Name origin

From Greek chroma (colour) and -phobia.

Also known as

Chromatophobia

A fear of computers can affect everyday situations involving online systems, typing, computer and internet. It may lead to avoiding touching, using or being near the object, asking others to deal with it, changing routines, or checking surroundings for the trigger.

Possible triggers

Starting a computer, completing an online form or being asked to use unfamiliar software.

Name origin

From Greek kybernetes (steersman) adapted as cyber- and -phobia.

Also known as

Logizomechanophobia

The focus is dampness or moisture, rather than a particular lake, river or sea.

Possible triggers

Touching damp clothing, entering a moist room or noticing moisture on a surface.

Name origin

Hygro- comes from Greek hygros (wet); phobos means fear.