What does astrophobia mean?
Astrophobia is a type of specific phobia that refers to an excessive or irrational fear of space or celestial bodies. This fear can manifest in different ways, such as a fear of the unknown or unexplored regions of space, or a fear of the vastness and mystery of the universe. People with astrophobia may experience anxiety or discomfort when thinking about space or celestial bodies, and may avoid activities or situations that involve space travel or astronomy. While the exact causes of astrophobia are not well understood, it is thought to be related to a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Overall, astrophobia is a legitimate and treatable condition that can impact a person's quality of life if left unchecked.
nounA persistent and abnormal fear of space or celestial bodies.
- A fear of space or celestial bodies.
- A fear of the unknown or unexplored regions of space.
"The astronaut's astrophobia made it difficult for her to enjoy the view of the stars during the space mission."
"The astronaut's astrophobia made it difficult for her to enjoy the view of the stars during the space mission."
"The science fiction movie triggered her astrophobia, and she couldn't sleep that night."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of astrophobia
The word 'astrophobia' is derived from the Greek words 'astro', meaning 'star', and 'phobia', meaning 'fear' or 'morbid fear'. The term has been used in English since the late 19th century to describe a fear of space or celestial bodies. The word is closely related to other terms such as 'astral', 'astronomy', and 'astrobiology', which all share a common root in the Greek word 'astro'.
Usage notes
Astrophobia is a relatively rare phobia, but it can be triggered by various factors such as science fiction movies or documentaries about space.