What does zoophobia mean?
Zoophobia is an intense, irrational fear of animals, used as an umbrella term for fear that is disproportionate to the actual danger involved. Unlike ordinary caution—such as avoiding a biting dog or keeping away from a snake—zoophobia causes marked anxiety and avoidance that can interfere with ordinary life. More specific names often identify the animal involved: cynophobia concerns dogs, arachnophobia concerns spiders, and entomophobia concerns insects. The word is formal or clinical in tone and is not normally used for a simple dislike of animals. Its Greek-derived structure makes its meaning transparent: the zo- element comes from zōon, meaning “animal,” while -phobia means “fear.” Because of its broad scope, zoophobia is useful for discussing a recurring pattern of fear across animals rather than one narrowly defined condition.
nounAn intense, excessive, or irrational fear of animals. The term may describe a general fear of animals or a pattern encompassing more specific fears such as arachnophobia or cynophobia.
- An excessive or irrational fear of animals, especially when it causes anxiety, avoidance, or distress out of proportion to the actual danger.
"Her zoophobia made even a harmless puppy crossing the park impossible for her to pass."
"Years of therapy helped him manage his zoophobia and regain confidence around dogs."
"The article examines how zoophobia can affect travel, work, and relationships."
The usual plural is zoophobias, although singular usage is much more common.
"Zoophobias such as arachnophobia and cynophobia have different triggers and often require different forms of treatment."
The same Greek root behind zoology also helps name one of the broadest fears of animals.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of zoophobia
The English word dates from the early nineteenth century and combines the Greek zōon, meaning “animal,” with phóbia, meaning “fear” or “dread.” Its zo- element also underlies words such as zoology, zoologist, and zoological, while the ending appears in many modern names for particular fears. The formation follows the established English pattern of joining Greek-derived combining forms to -phobia.
Related word forms
How zoophobia is actually used
Formal or clinical-sounding rather than conversational. It is a broad umbrella term; a more specific name may be used when the principal fear concerns one kind of animal.
Easily confused with zoophobia
Zoophobia is an excessive fear of animals, whereas zoophilia denotes a strong attraction to or affection for animals.
Zoophobia concerns animals generally, while hydrophobia means fear of water and has also been used for the symptoms of rabies.