Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
lyssophobia
noun
/lɪs.əˈfoʊ.bi.ə/

Definition
Lyssophobia is the irrational fear of becoming rabid or being infected with rabies.

Examples
- After an encounter with a stray dog, Jane’s lyssophobia caused her to avoid any animals for weeks.
- The thought of rabies made Mark’s lyssophobia flare up, and he refused to go hiking anymore.
- Therapy helped her manage her lyssophobia, allowing her to feel more at ease around pets.

Meaning
Individuals suffering from lyssophobia may experience extreme anxiety or panic when confronted with situations where they believe there could be a risk of rabies infection.

Synonyms
- Rabophobia
- Zoonophobia (fear of animals)
- Anthophobia (fear of flowers, used here in context of irrational fears)