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zoophobia

noun

/ˌzəʊəˈfəʊbɪə/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of zoophobia

An irrational and intense fear or aversion towards animals.
"Tony's zoophobia made it challenging for him to visit friends who had pets."

Detailed meaning of zoophobia

It is a specific phobia characterized by an overwhelming and persistent dread of any creature in the animal kingdom, ranging from insects to mammals. Individuals experiencing zoophobia often exhibit symptoms of extreme anxiety, such as panic attacks, sweating, trembling, and a rapid heart rate, when they come into contact with or even think about animals. This fear may stem from a traumatic experience involving an animal, cultural or societal influences, or simply a deep-rooted, irrational fear that cannot be easily explained. People with zoophobia may go to great lengths to avoid animals, affecting their daily lives and limiting their participation in activities that involve animals, such as visiting zoos or parks. Therapy, including cognitive-behavioral techniques and exposure therapy, can be effective in helping individuals manage and overcome their zoophobia, enabling them to live a more fulfilling and fear-free life.

Example sentences containing zoophobia

1. Sarah's zoophobia prevents her from going anywhere near her neighbor's pet dog.
2. Mark's zoophobia is so severe that he can't even look at pictures of animals without feeling terrified.
3. The zoophobia exhibited by Jane is rooted in a childhood incident involving a snake.
4. Many individuals with zoophobia struggle to visit zoos or farms due to their overwhelming fear of animals.
5. The therapist recommended gradual exposure therapy to help John overcome his zoophobia.
6. The movie about a zookeeper battling his zoophobia resonated with audiences who could relate to the fear.

History and etymology of zoophobia

The noun 'zoophobia' is formed from two elements: 'zoo,' derived from the Greek word 'zōion,' meaning animal, and 'phobia,' originating from the Greek 'phóbos,' indicating fear or aversion. Therefore, 'zoophobia' represents an irrational and intense fear or aversion towards animals. This term is commonly used in psychology to describe specific phobias related to animals, such as arachnophobia (fear of spiders) or ornithophobia (fear of birds). The etymology of 'zoophobia' underscores its focus on the fear or aversion aspect and the specific object of that fear, which, in this case, is animals.

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Further usage examples of zoophobia

1. Sarah's zoophobia was so intense that she couldn't even stand the sight of a harmless butterfly.
2. The onset of zoophobia can often be traced back to a traumatic encounter with an aggressive animal.
3. The support group for individuals with zoophobia provided a safe space for sharing experiences and coping strategies.
4. Melissa's zoophobia was so debilitating that she had to seek professional help to manage her fear.
5. Despite his zoophobia, Tim was determined to overcome his fear and volunteered at an animal shelter.
6. Zoophobia can be a debilitating condition, making daily life challenging.
7. Her zoophobia prevented her from enjoying outdoor activities.
8. Treatment for zoophobia may involve exposure therapy.
9. Zoophobia is more common than people realize.
10. Zoophobia often arises from traumatic childhood experiences.
11. The therapist helped him confront his zoophobia gradually.
12. Coping with zoophobia requires patience and support.
13. Zoophobia can lead to isolation and loneliness.
14. Overcoming zoophobia is possible with the right treatment.
15. Her zoophobia was triggered by a childhood incident.
16. Zoophobia can interfere with one's love for nature.
17. Friends and family can play a vital role in helping with zoophobia.
18. Zoophobia may manifest as panic attacks in certain situations.
19. The therapist specialized in treating zoophobia cases.
20. Public awareness of zoophobia can reduce stigma.
21. Support groups offer solace to those with zoophobia.
22. Zoophobia is a condition that deserves understanding and empathy.
23. His zoophobia made visiting the zoo a terrifying experience.
24. Zoophobia can impact both mental and physical well-being.
25. Seeking professional help is essential for managing zoophobia.