What does algophobia mean?
Algophobia is a formal term for an excessive or irrational fear of pain. It may cause a person to experience intense anxiety before, during, or after a painful or potentially painful situation, leading to avoidance, distress, or impaired everyday functioning. Medical and dental procedures are common contexts in which the term is discussed, although algophobia is not limited to those situations. The word is used chiefly in psychological and medical contexts and should not be confused with a normal preference to avoid pain. In general usage, "fear of pain" is clearer and more common, while algophobia is more useful when describing a clinically significant reaction that is disproportionate to the actual danger. The word is formed from Greek roots meaning "pain" and "fear," making its specialized meaning readily memorable.
nounAn excessive or irrational fear of pain, often intense enough to cause anxiety, avoidance, or distress around situations in which pain may occur.
- An excessive, disproportionate, or irrational fear of pain.
"Her algophobia made a routine dental appointment unexpectedly difficult."
"After the injection, his algophobia made even a routine medical examination feel threatening."
"The therapist helped the patient manage dental algophobia and resume regular check-ups."
The regular plural is algophobias, but singular usage is far more common in clinical and general writing.
"The survey compared dental and procedural algophobias among its participants."
Algophobia is fear of pain—not merely a low tolerance for it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does algophobia come from?
Algophobia combines the Greek noun algos, meaning "pain," with phobos, meaning "fear." The modern English term follows the established Greek combining forms algo- and -phobia. Words such as analgesia, algesia, and algogenic reflect the same ancient root for pain.
Related word forms
How algophobia is actually used
The term is chiefly formal and clinical. It denotes a fear that is considered excessive or irrational, not the ordinary dislike of painful experiences, and is less common in everyday speech than phrases such as "fear of pain."
Easily confused with algophobia
Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss, whereas algophobia is an excessive fear of pain.