A–Z list of phobias, fears and their meanings

This name refers specifically to fear of wasps, rather than insects in general. Appropriate precautions around nests or a known sting allergy still matter.

Possible triggers

A wasp approaching an outdoor meal, buzzing beside a window, or noticing wasps gathering near a doorway.

Name origin

Greek sphex means wasp. It is joined to phobia, from Greek phobos, meaning fear.

A fear of water can affect everyday situations involving swimming pool, bath water, shower water and drowning.

Possible triggers

Examples include approaching a swimming pool, spending time beside a lake or river, preparing for a bath or seeing water scenes on television.

Name origin

From Latin aqua (water) and -phobia.

A fear of waves can affect everyday situations involving sea waves, rough sea, big waves and choppy water.

Possible triggers

Seeing surf approach the beach, hearing waves break or feeling a boat rise and fall with the swell.

Name origin

From Greek kyma (wave) and -phobia.

A fear of wealth can affect earning, saving, receiving money, career choices and situations associated with financial success. It may lead to turning down opportunities, discomfort around money or avoiding decisions that could increase financial security.

Possible triggers

Discussing substantial wealth, encountering displays of affluence or anticipating receiving a large sum.

Name origin

From Greek ploutos (wealth) and -phobia.

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.

Wild animals are the focus, rather than animals in general.

Possible triggers

Visiting a wildlife setting, encountering a wild animal or anticipating animals during an outdoor trip.

Name origin

Combines Greek-derived agri- (wild), zoo- (animal) and -phobia (fear).

A fear of wind can affect everyday situations involving howling wind, strong wind, windy weather and gusts.

Possible triggers

Hearing wind around the house, feeling a gust outdoors or noticing trees moving in strong wind.

Name origin

From Greek anemos (wind) and -phobia.

This term is used for fear or strong aversion towards wine. Choosing not to drink wine, for any reason, is not itself a phobia.

Possible triggers

Wine being poured at a meal, its smell nearby, or being offered a glass during a social occasion.

Possible name origin

Oeno comes from Greek oinos, meaning wine. Phobia comes from Greek phobos, meaning fear.

A fear of women can affect everyday situations involving talking to women, being around women, group of women and female strangers. It may lead to avoiding interaction, rehearsing what to say, monitoring other people’s reactions, or replaying encounters afterwards.

Possible triggers

Being introduced to a woman, sharing a space with women or anticipating an appointment with a female professional.

Name origin

From Greek gynē (woman) and -phobia.

Also known as

Gynephobia

A fear of wood can affect everyday situations involving wooden objects, wood texture, timber and splinters. 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 a wooden utensil, sitting beside exposed timber or entering a room with prominent wooden fittings.

Name origin

From Greek xylon (wood) and -phobia.