arachnophobia

noun

arach·no·pho·bia | \ ə-ˌrak-nə-ˈfō-bē-ə

Definition of arachnophobia

: pathological fear or loathing of spiders

Other Words from arachnophobia Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about arachnophobia

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Other Words from arachnophobia

arachnophobe \ -ˈrak-nə-ˌfōb

\ noun

arachnophobic \ -ˌrak-nə-ˈfō-bik

\ adjective or noun

Did You Know?

In Greek mythology, Arachne was a weaver of such skill that she dared to challenge the goddess Athena at her craft. When she won their competition by weaving a tapestry disrespectful to the gods, the enraged Athena tore it to shreds, and in despair Arachne hanged herself. Out of pity, Athena loosened the rope, which became a cobweb, and changed Arachne into a spider. Today, the spiders, scorpions, mites, and ticks all belong to the class known as arachnids. Arachnophobia is the most common of the animal phobias; but many people suffer from similar phobias regarding snakes (ophidiophobia), dogs (cynophobia), and mice and rats (musophobia).

Examples of arachnophobia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples: acrophobia, the fear of heights; arachnophobia, the fear of spiders. — Kayla Webley Adler, Marie Claire, "Feeling Anxious? So Is Everyone Else. This Guide Will Help.," 8 July 2019 Even entomologists themselves can fall prey to arachnophobia. — Matt Bertone, Philly.com, "Why you shouldn't kill that spider in your house," 30 May 2018 Even entomologists themselves can fall prey to arachnophobia. — Matt Bertone, Philly.com, "Why you shouldn't kill that spider in your house," 30 May 2018 Even entomologists themselves can fall prey to arachnophobia. — Matt Bertone, Philly.com, "Why you shouldn't kill that spider in your house," 30 May 2018 Even entomologists themselves can fall prey to arachnophobia. — Matt Bertone, Philly.com, "Why you shouldn't kill that spider in your house," 30 May 2018 Even entomologists themselves can fall prey to arachnophobia. — Matt Bertone, Philly.com, "Why you shouldn't kill that spider in your house," 30 May 2018 Even entomologists themselves can fall prey to arachnophobia. — Matt Bertone, Philly.com, "Why you shouldn't kill that spider in your house," 30 May 2018 Even entomologists themselves can fall prey to arachnophobia. — Matt Bertone, Philly.com, "Why you shouldn't kill that spider in your house," 30 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'arachnophobia.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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More Definitions for arachnophobia

arachnophobia

noun

arach·no·pho·bia | \ ə-ˌrak-nə-ˈfō-bē-ə

Medical Definition of arachnophobia

: pathological fear or loathing of spiders

arachnophobia

Definition of arachnophobia

Other Words from arachnophobia

Did You Know?

Examples of arachnophobia in a Sentence

First Known Use of arachnophobia

Medical Definition of arachnophobia

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