Phobias: Native English Teacher in Hong Kong

One interesting way to explore root words and their meanings is through the many different types of phobias.


The word phob is derived from the Greek word 'to fear'.


Phobia is defined as a persistent, abnormal, and irrational fear of a specific thing or situation that compels one to avoid it, despite the awareness and reassurance that it is not dangerous. They are often seemingly normal for the average person, but strike terror in the heart of the poor soul suffering from them.


Here are some of the more unusual ones I came across:


Peladophobia- Fear of bald people

Phobophobia- Fear of phobias

Xanthophobia- Fear of the color yellow or the word yellow

Pupaphobia- Fear of puppets

Numerophobia- Fear of numbers

Lachanophobia- Fear of vegetables

Geniophobia- Fear of chins

Cyclophobia- Fear of bicycles

Alliumphobia- Fear of garlic

Alektorophobia- Fear of chickens

Ablutophobia- Fear of washing or bathing

Chirophobia- Fear of hands


Here is a more complete list of phobias, and find some interesting English facts at: Native English Teacher.




Courage is not the lack of fear but the ability to face it.
Lt. John B. Putnam Jr. (1921-1944)