Alcohol is the focus of this fear. Choosing not to drink is not, by itself, a phobia.

Possible triggers

Being offered an alcoholic drink, entering a bar or seeing alcohol served at a gathering.

Name origin

From Greek methy (wine) and -phobia (fear).

A fear of ants can affect everyday situations involving ants in house, ant nest, ant colony and ant trail. It may lead to scanning surroundings, avoiding places where the animal might appear, asking other people to check or deal with it, or leaving suddenly when one is seen.

Possible triggers

Seeing ants along a kitchen surface, noticing an ant trail outdoors or sitting near an ant nest.

Name origin

From Latin formica (ant) and -phobia.

Also known as

Myrmecophobia

A fear of a particular specific illness can affect everyday situations involving specific disease, single diagnosis, one illness and particular condition. It may lead to monitoring symptoms, checking the body, searching for reassurance, repeatedly seeking medical certainty, or avoiding reminders of illness.

Possible triggers

Hearing about the particular illness you fear, reading information about it or anticipating a relevant test.

Name origin

From Greek monos (single) and pathos (disease) with -phobia.

Fear of bees can make encounters with bees, buzzing sounds or hives distressing. Concern about being stung may be part of the fear. A known sting allergy also involves a genuine medical risk, which should not be dismissed as a phobia.

Possible triggers

Hearing buzzing nearby, seeing bees around flowers or sitting where bees are visiting plants.

Name origin

From Greek melissa (bee) and -phobia.

Also known as

Apiphobia

A fear of being alone can affect time at home, travel, evenings, sleep and situations where another person is not immediately available. It may lead to changing plans, seeking constant contact or reassurance, or avoiding activities that would involve spending time by yourself.

Possible triggers

A companion leaving the house, spending an evening alone or anticipating a night without company.

Name origin

From Greek monos (alone) and -phobia.

Also known as

Autophobia, Eremophobia, Isolophobia

Being tied up or physically restrained is the focus of this term. It is different from a general dislike of small spaces, and genuine threats to safety or consent should not be dismissed.

Possible triggers

Seeing a restraint being fastened, watching a scene in which someone is tied up, or anticipating being unable to move freely.

Name origin

The Greek component merinth refers to a cord, line or string. Phobia comes from Greek phobos, fear.

A fear of black can affect everyday situations involving black room, black clothing, black colour and dark objects. 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

Seeing black clothing, encountering black furnishings or handling a black object.

Name origin

From Greek melas (black) and -phobia.

A fear of breasts can affect everyday situations involving female chest, breast imagery, chest exposure and breasts. It may lead to self-monitoring, avoiding mirrors, photographs, grooming or close contact, seeking reassurance, or changing social plans because of appearance-related fear.

Possible triggers

Seeing breasts in an image, discussing a breast examination or anticipating exposure of the chest.

Name origin

From Greek mastos (breast) and -phobia.

This descriptive name concerns change itself. A familiar routine being altered may be the focus, rather than a particular new object or place.

Possible triggers

A timetable being rearranged, a change in responsibilities, or being told that an established routine will end.

Name origin

Metathesis is a Greek word associated with change or transposition. Phobia comes from Greek phobos, meaning fear.

A fear of cooking can affect everyday situations involving meal preparation, using oven, following recipe and kitchen anxiety. It may lead to restricting foods, checking ingredients or preparation, avoiding meals, shops or restaurants, or relying heavily on familiar choices.

Possible triggers

Preparing a meal from a recipe, using cooking equipment or being expected to cook for guests.

Name origin

From Greek mageiros (cook) and -phobia.