SKIP TO CONTENT

WORD OF THE DAY

When someone is deeply afraid of animals — whether that fear relates to mice, cats, or elephants — they suffer from zoophobia. If you have zoophobia, you probably shouldn't pursue a career as a veterinarian.

This word's roots couldn't be more clear: zoo- relates to animals, from the Greek zoion, and phobia means "irrational fear," also from a Greek root, phobos. Some people with zoophobia are terrified of every non-human animal, although it's more common for zoophobia to relate to a single type of animal, like alligators or lions. In any case, if you suffer from zoophobia, the idea of visiting the zoo likely fills you with dread.


Want to expand your vocabulary?

Get Word of the Day delivered straight to your inbox!

Previous Words of the Day