Basic Details
Word: Agoraphobia
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: An intense fear of being in situations where escape might be difficult, or where help may not be available, especially in crowded spaces or open areas.
Synonyms: Fear of open spaces, fear of public places
Antonyms: Confidence, comfort
Idioms and Phrases
- In a crowded room: Used to describe feelings of anxiety or discomfort in busy settings. Example: "She felt alone even in a crowded room, overwhelmed by her agoraphobia."
- Step outside the comfort zone: Refers to trying something new or challenging, which can be hard for someone with agoraphobia. Example: "He knew he had to step outside his comfort zone to conquer his fear."
Usage Examples
Example 1: Agoraphobia can make it extremely challenging for someone to leave their home or face situations with large groups of people.
Example 2: The therapy sessions helped her gradually manage her agoraphobia, allowing her to visit stores and parks again.
Example 3: He often experienced panic attacks, leading to his diagnosis of agoraphobia, which kept him indoors for many years.
Fun Fact
Did you know that agoraphobia was first described in the late 19th century? The term comes from the Greek words "agora," meaning marketplace, and "phobos," meaning fear. It originally described the fear of open spaces but has since evolved to encompass broader scenarios.
Famous Quote
"Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear." James Neil Hollingworth
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "agoraphobia" mean?
a) Fear of heights
b) Fear of being in crowded or open places
c) Fear of small spaces
d) Fear of flying
Answer: b) Fear of being in crowded or open places
2. Which of these is a synonym of "agoraphobia"?
a) Fear of public places
b) Anxiety about animals
c) Fear of darkness
d) Fear of intimacy
Answer: a) Fear of public places
3. What is an antonym of "agoraphobia"?
a) Peace
b) Fear
c) Confidence
d) Anxiety
Answer: c) Confidence
4. Which sentence uses "agoraphobia" correctly?
a) The agoraphobia helped him travel around the world.
b) Her agoraphobia made it tough for her to go to the mall.
c) He felt agoraphobia during his flight.
d) Agoraphobia is a sport he enjoys.
Answer: b) Her agoraphobia made it tough for her to go to the mall.
5. Which idiom suggests trying something challenging?
a) Step outside the comfort zone
b) In a crowded room
c) Cold feet
d) Jumping the gun
Answer: a) Step outside the comfort zone
