Basic Details
Word: Hydrophobia
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A fear of water, often associated with rabies.
Synonyms: Aquaphobia, fear of water
Antonyms: Tranquility, calmness
Idioms and Phrases
- Facing your fears: To confront and overcome what you are afraid of. Example: "She is facing her fears by learning to swim, despite her hydrophobia."
- In over your head: To be in a situation that is too difficult to manage. Example: "When he was asked to lead the project, he realised he was in over his head."
Usage Examples
Example 1: Many people with hydrophobia feel anxious just by thinking about being near water.
Example 2: The dog's hydrophobia made it very uncomfortable around pools and lakes.
Example 3: After years of hydrophobia, she finally decided to take swimming lessons to overcome her fear.
Fun Fact
Hydrophobia, especially in animals, is a classic symptom of rabies. The disease causes severe neurological symptoms, making it difficult for affected animals to swallow water, which is why they avoid it.
Famous Quote
"Fear is only as deep as the mind allows." Japanese Proverb
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "hydrophobia" mean?
a) A fear of heights
b) A fear of water
c) A fear of darkness
d) A fear of small spaces
Answer: b) A fear of water
2. Which of these is a synonym of "hydrophobia"?
a) Acrophobia
b) Aquaphobia
c) Agoraphobia
d) Claustrophobia
Answer: b) Aquaphobia
3. Which sentence uses "hydrophobia" correctly?
a) Her hydrophobia was so intense she couldn't even watch a movie set by the ocean.
b) His hydrophobia made him the best swimmer in the class.
c) Hydrophobia is when you really enjoy long baths.
d) I think hydrophobia is actually a type of food.
Answer: a) Her hydrophobia was so intense she couldn't even watch a movie set by the ocean.
4. Which idiom means confronting your fears?
a) In over your head
b) A tough nut to crack
c) Facing your fears
d) Kill two birds with one stone
Answer: c) Facing your fears
5. What is the opposite of "hydrophobia"?
a) Tranquility
b) Aquaphobia
c) Anxiety
d) Heightened fear
Answer: a) Tranquility
