Simple Definition of phobia

from our Learner's Dictionary

phobia

1 of 2

noun

plural phobias
: an extremely strong dislike or fear of someone or something
His fear of crowds eventually developed into a phobia.

-phobia

2 of 2

noun combining form

ˈfoʊbijə
: an extremely strong dislike or fear of someone or something
xenophobia [=fear and hatred of foreign people and things]

Cite this Entry

“Phobia.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/phobia. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on phobia

More from Merriam-Webster