Basic Details
Word: Arachnophobia
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: An intense fear of spiders.
Synonyms: Spider fear, arachnophobia syndrome
Antonyms: Arachnophilia (love of spiders)
Idioms and Phrases
- Spiders in your head: To feel overwhelmed or confused by thoughts. Example: "He had so many ideas for his project, it felt like there were spiders in his head."
- Catch flies with vinegar: Sometimes overcoming fears leads to opportunities. Example: "Instead of running away, she decided to face her arachnophobia, proving you can catch flies with vinegar."
Usage Examples
Example 1: Arachnophobia can be particularly challenging for someone who lives in a house with lots of spider activity.
Example 2: During the lesson on animals, her arachnophobia made her squirm when the spider was mentioned.
Example 3: He took a deep breath as he overcame his arachnophobia to gently catch the spider in a cup.
Fun Fact
Arachnophobia is one of the most common specific phobias, and studies have shown that it can often be linked to evolutionary survival instincts, as some spiders can be venomous.
Famous Quote
"Fear is only as deep as the mind allows." Japanese Proverb
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "arachnophobia" mean?
a) A fear of heights
b) A fear of spiders
c) A fear of flying
d) A fear of darkness
Answer: b) A fear of spiders
2. Which of these is a synonym of "arachnophobia"?
a) Spider fear
b) Acrophobia
c) Agoraphobia
d) Nyctophobia
Answer: a) Spider fear
3. What is the opposite of "arachnophobia"?
a) Agoraphobia
b) Arachnophilia
c) Acrophobia
d) Claustrophobia
Answer: b) Arachnophilia
4. Which sentence uses "arachnophobia" correctly?
a) Her arachnophobia led her to love spiders.
b) He enjoys painting spiders despite his arachnophobia.
c) Arachnophobia can make a person frightened when they see a spider.
d) She studies arachnophobia in her spare time.
Answer: c) Arachnophobia can make a person frightened when they see a spider.
5. Which idiom relates to managing fears?
a) Spiders in your head
b) Catch flies with vinegar
c) As brave as a lion
d) A bird in the hand
Answer: b) Catch flies with vinegar
