Claustrophobic - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Claustrophobic describes a fear of confined or crowded spaces, often causing anxiety or panic. It can also refer to places that feel uncomfortably small or restrictive.
Definition:
Suffering from extreme discomfort or fear in confined spaces.
Synonyms:
confined, cramped, oppressive, restrictive
Part of Speech:
adjective
Antonyms:
agoraphobic, open-minded
Common Collocations:
claustrophobic feeling, claustrophobic space, claustrophobic environment, claustrophobic situation
Derivatives:
claustrophobia, claustrophobe
Usage Tips:
Use to describe fear of tight spaces; avoid overuse for general discomfort.
Common Phrases:
feeling claustrophobic, claustrophobic nightmare, claustrophobic atmosphere
Etymology:
From Latin *claustrum* (enclosure) + Greek *phobos* (fear), coined in the late 19th century.
Examples:
- 1. The elevator felt too small and made her claustrophobic.
- 2. He avoids crowded trains because they make him claustrophobic.
- 3. The tiny room gave her a claustrophobic sensation instantly.
- 4. Wearing tight clothing can trigger a claustrophobic reaction in some people.