Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
germaphobe
noun
/ˈjɜːrməˌfoʊb/

Definition
A person who has an excessive fear of germs or dirt, often leading to obsessive cleaning or avoidance of situations where they might encounter pathogens.

Examples
- As a germaphobe, she always carries hand sanitizer with her wherever she goes.
- His germaphobe tendencies were evident when he refused to shake hands with anyone.
- Being a germaphobe, he meticulously wipes down surfaces in public places before touching them.

Meaning
Someone who is overly concerned about cleanliness and hygiene, often to the point of compulsiveness.

Synonyms
- Hygienist
- Clean-freak
- Pathophobe
- Contamination-phobic