26 Incredulous Phobias From A-Z
Have you ever wondered what really scares you? We show you 26 phobias that might surprise you. Find out if you have any of them here.
Updated 31 May 2019
Let’s face it, we’re all afraid of something.
From creepy crawlies to fear itself, almost everyone has a phobia they may not even know they have. But did you know there exists an inexhaustible list of phobias — including bizarre ones like the fear of cotton balls and dinner conversations? Humans; we’re a fascinating species.
Intrigued to know more? Read on because we’re shedding light on 26 phobias from A-Z. Find out if you have any of them and if you don’t, at least you’ll learn something new you can share with your friends.
#1. Acrophobia - The fear of heights
If you feel jittery just thinking about looking down from a tall building, you definitely have this common phobia.
#2. Arachibutyrophobia - The fear of peanut butter
There’ll be no peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for you. While we understand some people don’t consume peanut butter due to allergies, you are more afraid of it sticking to the roof of your mouth.
#3. Bananaphobia - The fear of bananas
This is a really rare one — most cases stem from a bad childhood experience. It’s also claimed to be caused by the banana’s texture and the fear of slipping over the peels.
#4. Chronophobia - The fear of the future
A legitimately sound fear, as none of us can predict the future and what it brings.
#5. Decidophobia - The fear of making decisions
This goes beyond deciding whether to have nasi lemak or roti canai for breakfast. If you have this phobia, you probably experience intense anxiety when you need to make decisions and are heavily dependent on others to choose for you.
#6. Enochlophobia - The fear of crowds
If you have this common phobia, stay away from large crowds to avoid anxiety and panic attacks.
#7. Frigophobia - The fear of the cold
If you have this, you must love Malaysia’s weather. Often triggered by a traumatic experience during childhood, people with frigophobia usually keep their homes very warm and avoid eating or drinking things that are cold.
#8. Globophobia - The fear of balloons
Parties are terrifying because the thought of a popping balloon makes you jump.
#9. Herpetophobia - The fear of reptiles
Do you screech “Cicak!” and run for your life when you see a lizard? This phobia has your name on it.
#10. Isolophobia - The fear of being alone
You agree with the phrase “no man is an island” (meaning humans do badly when isolated) — a supportive circle of friends is essential to you.
#11. Katsaridaphobia - The fear of cockroaches
If you wince when you see a lizard, you probably fear the mighty cockroach too, especially the flying ones!
#12. Ligyrophobia - The fear of loud noises
You shudder just thinking about ear-splitting firecrackers and blaring honking.
#13. Metathesiophobia - The fear of change
It’s never easy to wrench yourself away from your comfort zone, but change can only bring better things.
#14. Nyctophobia - The fear of darkness
Thanks to a traumatic experience or watching too many horror shows, nightlights have become a norm in your bedroom.
#15. Ombrophobia - The fear of rain
While the gentle pitter-patter of rain isn’t that scary, knowing that they could bring on raging thunderstorms strike fear in you.
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Start now#16. Phobophobia - The fear of fear
“That suggests that what you fear most of all is — fear. Very wise, Harry,” according to Professor Lupin in Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban.
#17. Quintaphobia - The fear of the number five
Mambo No. 5 is most likely not your favourite song.
#18. Ranidaphobia - The fear of frogs
Some coo over the amphibians, but you’d rather they stay far, far, far away in their ponds.
#19. Sciophobia - The fear of shadows
Believed to be caused by a past traumatic event, sciophobia is one of the more complex fears.
#20. Scriptophobia - The fear of writing in public
Many people have a fear of speaking in public, but did you know that there are some who tremble at the thought of writing or even signing their name in public? Hopefully, you’re not one of them as it could seriously impact your grades.
#21. Trypophobia - The fear of closely-packed holes
Thanks to this phobia, you feel queasy when seeing small holes gathered together. We suggest not Googling ‘trypophobia images’ if you have an active imagination.
#22. Urophobia - The fear of urine or urinating
You should really get over this fear because it’s not good to hold in your pee!
#23. Verbophobia - The fear of words
An interesting one, definitely. Luckily, you don’t have this fear since you’re not afraid to read the words in this article.
#24. Wiccaphobia - The fear of witches
Witchcraft? Spellbooks? People in pointy black hats? These things make you shudder.
#25. Xantophobia - The fear of the colour yellow
The colour yellow isn’t so bad — but it is to you, thanks to a past traumatic event telling your brain to stay away from the hue.
#26. Zelophobia - The fear of jealousy
You hate turning green. Considered a social phobia, this fear stems from life experiences and heredity.
If you didn’t relate to any of these, congratulations, you’re living a fear-free life! Now, remember a few of these phobias so you can whip out these nuggets of information during your next hangout session with your friends.
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Melissa Mazlan
Your friendly Klang representative who enjoys romantic walks to the fridge.
