claustrophobia

Definition

The abnormal fear of closed, tight places.

Etymology

From Latin claustrum (“a shut-in place”), from Latin claudō (“I shut, close; I imprison, confine”) + -phobia. First attested in the British Medical Journal.

Example Sentences

• "She complained of emaciation, nervousness, tenderness of the scalp, weakness of the back, claustrophobia, and other morbid fears."
• "The first scenes, which take place in a minitheater that keeps shrinking, will be painful for anyone with even a tinge of claustrophobia."
• "(Editor’s note: Those who suffer from claustrophobia, kabourophobia, arachnophobia or thalassophobia are advised to skip the above trailer.)"