A–Z list of phobias, fears and their meanings

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

A fear of work or the workplace can affect everyday situations involving going to work, work meeting, office and work. It may lead to putting things off, over-preparing, repeatedly checking, seeking reassurance, or turning down opportunities that feel too exposing.

Possible triggers

Preparing to start a workday, entering the workplace or anticipating a new work assignment.

Name origin

From Greek ergon (work) and -phobia.

A fear of worms or maggots can affect everyday situations involving worms in soil, slimy worm, earthworm and worms. 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

Finding worms while gardening, noticing maggots in waste or seeing a close-up image of either.

Name origin

From Greek skolex (worm) and -phobia.

A fear of writing can affect everyday situations involving writing in public, signing documents, filling forms and handwriting. It may lead to putting things off, over-preparing, repeatedly checking, seeking reassurance, or turning down opportunities that feel too exposing.

Possible triggers

Facing a blank page, completing a handwritten form or being asked to write something for others to read.

Name origin

From Greek graphō (to write) and -phobia.