A fear of words can affect everyday situations involving speaking words, reading aloud and certain words. It may lead to monitoring thoughts and mental sensations, seeking reassurance, avoiding information or situations that trigger the fear, or trying hard to suppress particular thoughts.

Possible triggers

Encountering written words, being asked to read aloud or hearing a particular word spoken.

Name origin

From Greek logos (word) and -phobia.

Also known as

Verbophobia

This term describes having several phobias, rather than one fear tied to a single thing.

Possible triggers

Examples depend on the fears involved. Several different situations or objects may be relevant, rather than one shared trigger for this label.

Name origin

Poly- means many or several; phobia comes from Greek phobos (fear).