Buzz
Phobias aren't always strange—fear is something everyone experiences.
1. Anuptaphobia
The dread of remaining single indefinitely—imagine that lasting forever.
2. Athazagoraphobia
The dread of being overlooked, neglected, or left behind. This phobia even has its own anthem.
3. Blennophobia
An aversion to slime. Binge-watching classic You Can't Do That on Television episodes could be the perfect remedy.
4. Gelotophobia
The anxiety of being mocked or ridiculed. Interestingly, there's no fear associated with shared laughter.
5. Gerascophobia
The dread of aging. Over time, you’ll likely grow into—and eventually overcome—this fear.
6. Glossophobia
The fear of public speaking. Studies show it’s the most common phobia among Americans, with thanatophobia, the fear of death, coming in second.
7. Hellenologophobia
The anxiety surrounding Greek words or intricate scientific jargon. Maybe it’s simply the fear of saying them wrong!
8. Kakorrhaphiophobia
The dread of failing or facing defeat. Tough to conquer and even tougher to pronounce.
9. Lockiophobia
The fear of giving birth. If this doesn’t apply to you, chances are you’re male.
10. Macrophobia
The dread of prolonged waiting. Think: the anxiety of visiting the DMV.
11. Metathesiophobia
The anxiety surrounding change. Ironically, it’s often paired with a fear of stagnation.
12. Nyctohylophobia
The fear of dark forests or wooded areas at night. Horror movies have certainly capitalized on this one.
13. Obesophobia
The anxiety about gaining weight. Curiously, there’s no recognized fear of hitting the gym. (Gymnophobia, by the way, refers to the fear of nudity.)
14. Ophthalmophobia
The anxiety of being stared at. Note: this doesn’t include appreciative gazes.
15. Politicophobia
The fear or intense dislike of politicians. A rare issue that unites people across party lines.
16. Syngenesophobia
The dread of relatives. This fear often peaks during festive seasons.
