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acrophobic

/æk.rəˈfɒb.ɪk/ adjective · British & US
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What does acrophobic mean?

Acrophobic refers to a person who has an excessive or irrational fear of heights. This fear can be so intense that it interferes with a person's daily life, causing anxiety, avoidance, and distress. Acrophobic individuals may experience panic attacks, sweating, and trembling when confronted with heights. Treatment for acrophobia typically involves exposure therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, or medication. Acrophobic is often used in a clinical or psychological context to describe a person who has an intense fear of heights. The word is derived from the Greek words 'akros,' meaning 'highest,' and 'phobos,' meaning 'fear.' Acrophobic is a useful word for describing a common phobia that affects many people. It is an interesting word because it highlights the complexities of human emotions and the importance of seeking help for mental health issues.

adjective

A person who has an excessive or irrational fear of heights.

Senses
  1. A person who has an excessive or irrational fear of heights.
Example

"She was acrophobic and refused to go near the edge of the cliff."

More examples

"She was acrophobic and refused to go near the edge of the cliff."

"The acrophobic patient was treated with exposure therapy."

Plural acrophobics

The plural form acrophobics is used to describe a group of people who have an excessive or irrational fear of heights.

Example

"The acrophobics in the support group shared their experiences and strategies for overcoming their fear."

Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.

Etymology of acrophobic

The word acrophobic is derived from the Greek words 'akros,' meaning 'highest,' and 'phobos,' meaning 'fear.' It was first used in the late 19th century to describe a fear of heights. The word has since been used in a clinical or psychological context to describe a range of phobias, including acrophobia, agoraphobia, and claustrophobia.

How acrophobic is actually used

Acrophobic is often used to describe a person who has an intense fear of heights, but it can also be used to describe a fear of other things, such as enclosed spaces or certain animals. The word is often used in a clinical or psychological context.

What's another word for acrophobic?

What's the opposite of acrophobic?

Rhymes with acrophobic