A–Z list of phobias, fears and their meanings

The focus is female genital anatomy, rather than sexual intimacy in general.

Possible triggers

Encountering genital imagery, discussing intimate anatomy or anticipating an intimate situation.

Possible name origin

One suggested derivation links the name to Greek Eurotas, used figuratively for the vulva, together with -phobia (fear). The exact formation of this name is uncertain.

Also known as

Kolpophobia

A fear of foreign languages can affect everyday situations involving speaking foreign language, language class and mispronouncing. It may lead to avoiding interaction, rehearsing what to say, monitoring other people’s reactions, or replaying encounters afterwards.

Possible triggers

Being addressed in an unfamiliar language, attempting a conversation in another language or attending a language lesson.

Name origin

From Greek xenos (foreign) and glossa (tongue) with -phobia.

A broad or undefined sense of fear can affect many parts of everyday life even when there is no single clear trigger. It may involve constant scanning for danger, avoiding unfamiliar situations, seeking reassurance or finding it difficult to relax because something always feels as though it could go wrong.

Possible triggers

There may be no single clear trigger. An ordinary activity or uncertain situation may become a focus of a broader, undefined sense of fear.

Name origin

From Greek pan (all) and -phobia.

Also known as

Panophobia, Pantophobia

A fear of happiness or joy can affect everyday situations involving things going well, good news, celebration and compliments. It may lead to suppressing feelings, avoiding situations likely to trigger the emotion, monitoring your reactions, or withdrawing from experiences that would otherwise matter to you.

Possible triggers

Feeling happy during a celebration, receiving good news or anticipating an occasion intended to be joyful.

Name origin

From Greek chairō (to rejoice) and -phobia.

The concern is being harmed by a burglar or another person intending harm.

Possible triggers

Hearing about a local burglary, noticing an unexplained noise at home or anticipating being targeted by crime.

Name origin

Combines the Latin root sceler- (crime or wickedness) with Greek-derived -phobia (fear).

A fear of imperfection can affect everyday situations involving making mistakes, not good enough, perfection pressure and flaws. It may lead to putting things off, over-preparing, repeatedly checking, seeking reassurance, or turning down opportunities that feel too exposing.

Possible triggers

Noticing a small flaw in your work, submitting something unfinished or seeing a result that falls short of your expectations.

Name origin

From Greek atelēs (incomplete or imperfect) and -phobia.

A fear of intense happiness can affect everyday situations involving overwhelming happiness, intense joy, emotional high and excitement. It may lead to suppressing feelings, avoiding situations likely to trigger the emotion, monitoring your reactions, or withdrawing from experiences that would otherwise matter to you.

Possible triggers

Noticing a surge of excitement, experiencing intense joy or anticipating a highly emotional celebration.

Name origin

From Greek euphoria (well-being) and -phobia.

A fear of jealousy can affect everyday situations involving relationship insecurity, romantic rivalry, envy and jealousy. It may lead to suppressing feelings, avoiding situations likely to trigger the emotion, monitoring your reactions, or withdrawing from experiences that would otherwise matter to you.

Possible triggers

Noticing jealous feelings, hearing a partner discuss another person or anticipating a situation associated with jealousy.

Name origin

From Greek zēlos (zeal or jealousy) and -phobia.

This term names a fear centred on justice.

Possible triggers

Receiving a legal notice, entering a courtroom or anticipating a formal judgement.

Name origin

From Greek dike (justice) and -phobia (fear).

This descriptive name concerns fear or aversion around kissing or being kissed. Not wanting to kiss someone is a valid boundary and does not itself indicate a phobia.

Possible triggers

Anticipating a kiss during a date, a greeting that involves kissing, or someone leaning in towards the face.

Name origin

Greek philema refers to a kiss. Its philemat form is joined to phobia, from Greek phobos, fear.