claustrophobic

adjective

claus·​tro·​pho·​bic ˌklȯ-strə-ˈfō-bik How to pronounce claustrophobic (audio)
1
: affected with or inclined to claustrophobia
2
: inducing or suggesting claustrophobia
claustrophobically
ˌklȯ-strə-ˈfō-bi-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce claustrophobic (audio)
adverb

Examples of claustrophobic in a Sentence

The theater can be a little claustrophobic when it's full. She doesn't go in elevators because she is claustrophobic.
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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Nevertheless, the claustrophobic framing shrinks an epic voyage into small-screen content made solely for a bored child to hold right up to their nose. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026 The performances are far beyond what the subgenre is typically graced with, while the suppressive atmosphere lends the film a claustrophobic feel despite multiple scenes set outside the house of horrors. — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 7 July 2026 Tiny Timber Homes Living in as small a space as a tiny house can sometimes feel a little claustrophobic, but the Kanuka tackles this by opening up to the outside with two double glass door entrances, filling the home with natural light. — New Atlas, 12 June 2026 Years in the darkness Trading the tropical sun and heat for the darkness and dampness underground is unsettling, and a visit to Vịnh Mốc offers a brief glimpse of the claustrophobic conditions. — Pavlo Fedykovych, CNN Money, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for claustrophobic

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1889, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of claustrophobic was circa 1889

Rhymes for claustrophobic

See All Rhymes for claustrophobic

Browse Nearby Words

claustrophobia
claustrophobic
claustrum
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Cite this Entry

“Claustrophobic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/claustrophobic. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

claustrophobic

1 of 2 adjective
claus·​tro·​pho·​bic ˌklȯ-strə-ˈfō-bik How to pronounce claustrophobic (audio)
1
: suffering from or inclined to claustrophobia
2
: inducing or suggesting claustrophobia
claustrophobically
-bi-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce claustrophobic (audio)
adverb

claustrophobic

2 of 2 noun
: claustrophobe

More from Merriam-Webster on claustrophobic

Nglish: Translation of claustrophobic for Spanish Speakers

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