A fear of string or thread can affect everyday situations involving rope, cord, shoelace and string. 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

Handling sewing thread, opening a parcel tied with string or seeing loose threads on fabric.

Name origin

From Greek linon (linen or thread) and -phobia.

Also known as

Linophobia

A fear of sudden loud sounds can affect everyday situations involving balloon popping, explosion sound, alarm sound and sudden noise. 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

Anticipating fireworks, hearing a sudden bang or being near an object you expect might burst.

Name origin

From Greek ligyros (shrill) and -phobia.

A fear of vegetables can affect everyday situations involving leafy veg, raw vegetables, green veg and vegetables. It may lead to restricting foods, checking ingredients or preparation, avoiding meals, shops or restaurants, or relying heavily on familiar choices.

Possible triggers

Seeing vegetables on a plate, preparing them for cooking or being offered a vegetable dish.

Name origin

From Greek lakhanon (vegetable) and -phobia.

Also known as

Lachanophobia

A fear of white can affect everyday situations involving white room, blank white space, white walls and bright white. 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 predominantly white room, seeing white clothing or handling white objects.

Name origin

From Greek leukos (white) and -phobia.

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