SKIP TO CONTENT

nosophobia

/ˌnɑsəˈfoʊbiə/
IPA guide

Other forms: nosophobias

Nosophobia is an irrational fear of disease. If someone's anxiety about getting sick interferes with their normal, everyday life, they might have nosophobia.

Like other phobias, nosophobia is an intense, often overwhelming worry. Phobia comes from the Greek phobos, "fear," and noso- means "disease." Many people diagnosed with nosophobia are terrified of specific illnesses, including cancer, flu, and tuberculosis. They often imagine they have symptoms of these diseases and might respond to these feelings by avoiding doctors — or by visiting them all the time.

Definitions of nosophobia
  1. noun
    a deep dread or fear of disease
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

Copy citation
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘nosophobia'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family