aichmophobia

Definition

The fear of needles and other pointed or sharp objects.

Etymology

From Ancient Greek αιχμή (aikhmḗ, “spearhead”) + -phobia.

Example Sentences

• "Some people cannot stand knives, swords, bayonets, anything sharp; psychiatrists have a word for it: aichmophobia. Idiots who drive cars a hundred miles an hour on fifty-mile-an-hour roads will nevertheless panic at the sight of a bare blade."
• "In aichmophobia the person develops a pathological fear of sharp and pointed objects. He or she fears pieces of broken glass, scraps of metal, nails, and scissors. Fear of this kind leads to all sorts of eccentric habits."
• "“Hmm,” said Catherine. “It looks like something out of a field hospital.” And she shot a tiny forbidding glance at Nick, who saw that it was probably the aichmophobia, the horror of sharp objects, that made the serving and carving of a haunch of venison impossible for her."