phobic

adjective
pho·​bic | \ ˈfō-bik How to pronounce phobic (audio) \

Definition of phobic

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: of, relating to, affected with, or constituting phobia

Definition of -phobic (Entry 2 of 2)

1a : having an intolerance or aversion for photophobic Anglophobic
b : exhibiting a phobia for claustrophobic
2 : lacking chemical affinity for (see affinity entry 1 sense 2b(2)) These polymers are like soaps, with a hydrophobic and a hydrophilic portion in the molecule.— Mercouri G. Kanatzidis — compare -philic

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Other Words from phobic

Adjective

phobic noun

Examples of phobic in a Sentence

Adjective

She is phobic about heights.

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

Toney’s freelancing style worries turnover-phobic coaches. Edgar Thompson, orlandosentinel.com, "Five things to watch during Gators preseason camp," 24 July 2019 This 4th of July holiday will be a long stretch of misery for noise-phobic dogs. Cathy M. Rosenthal, ExpressNews.com, "July 4th: Fun for humans, hell for dogs," 28 June 2019 That can mean a stressful week for people with noise-phobic pets. Cathy M. Rosenthal, courant.com, "Pet World: Helping Dogs And Cats Survive The Fourth Of July," 22 June 2018 Yet the world must reckon with the trade-deficit-phobic president and advisers such as Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and especially Peter Navarro, director of the White House National Trade Council. Tunku Varadarajan, WSJ, "Why Trump’s Protectionism Is Futile," 1 June 2018 Soothing the Storm-Weary Pup While treating storm-phobic dogs, Dodman noticed that many canines seek out hiding places grounded against electric shocks, such as bathtubs, jacuzzis, or behind the toilet tank. National Geographic, "Why Your Dog Freaks Out During Thunderstorms—And What to Do," 28 Apr. 2018 Some people are phobic about getting behind the wheel. Abby, Houston Chronicle, "Longtime addiction remains a secret in woman's past," 16 Mar. 2018 My eating disorder was not an exercise in vanity or a haphazard way, in a fat-phobic world, to simply lose weight. Caroline Rothstein, Marie Claire, "How I Came to Love My Body—a Decade After My Eating Disorder," 27 Feb. 2018 Commitment-phobic caller Chef Point Cafe, the convenience store-restaurant in Watauga featured on food TV shows, is taking a call-ahead seating list for Valentine’s night. Bud Kennedy, star-telegram, "New location and name, same menu and food for this French restaurant," 8 Feb. 2018

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

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First Known Use of phobic

Adjective

1897, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for phobic

Adjective combining form

French -phobique, from Late Latin -phobicus, from Greek -phobikos, from -phobia

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More Definitions for phobic

phobic

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of phobic

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: of, relating to, or having an extremely strong fear or dislike of someone or something

English Language Learners Definition of -phobic (Entry 2 of 2)

: having an extremely strong dislike or fear of someone or something

phobic

adjective
pho·​bic | \ ˈfō-bik How to pronounce phobic (audio) \

Medical Definition of phobic

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: of, relating to, affected with, marked by, involving, or constituting a phobia phobic disorders a phobic person phobic anxiety phobic situations

phobic

noun

Medical Definition of phobic (Entry 2 of 2)

: one who exhibits a phobia