melissophobia
|me-lis-so-pho-bi-a|
C2
🇺🇸
/ˌmɛlɪsəˈfoʊbiə/
🇬🇧
/ˌmɛlɪsəˈfəʊbɪə/
fear of bees
Etymology
Etymology Information
'melissophobia' originates from Greek, specifically the words 'melissa' and 'phobos', where 'melissa' meant 'bee' and 'phobos' meant 'fear'.
Historical Evolution
'melissophobia' was coined in modern medical/psychological usage by combining the Greek elements 'melissa' + 'phobos' (via New Latin or modern formation), and this compound became the English term 'melissophobia'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'fear of bees', and over time this basic meaning has remained consistent in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
an extreme or irrational fear of bees.
Her melissophobia kept her from attending outdoor picnics in summer.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/07 20:55