ailurophobia

[ˌeɪləˈroʊfoʊbiə]

ailurophobia Definition

an abnormal and persistent fear of cats.

Using ailurophobia: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "ailurophobia" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  Her ailurophobia was so severe that she couldn't even look at a picture of a cat.

• Example

  He developed ailurophobia after being scratched by a cat as a child.

ailurophobia Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for ailurophobia

• gatophobia
• felinophobia

Phrases with ailurophobia

• crazy cat lady/man

  a person, usually a woman, who is perceived as being overly obsessed with cats

  Example

  She's become the crazy cat lady of the neighborhood, taking care of all the stray cats.

• cat nap

  a short sleep during the day

  Example

  I'm going to take a quick cat nap before starting my work again.

• let the cat out of the bag

  to reveal a secret or information that was supposed to be kept hidden

  Example

  I accidentally let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party.

Origins of ailurophobia

from Greek 'ailouros' meaning 'cat' and 'phobos' meaning 'fear'

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Summary: ailurophobia in Brief

'Ailurophobia' [ˌeɪləˈroʊfoʊbiə] is an abnormal and persistent fear of cats. It is often triggered by past traumatic experiences with cats. People with ailurophobia may experience anxiety, panic attacks, and other symptoms when they encounter cats. Common phrases like 'crazy cat lady/man' and 'cat nap' use 'cat' in a different context.