Definition of "phobia" [phobia]

• A persistent, abnormal, and irrational fear of a specific thing or situation that compels one to avoid it, despite the awareness and reassurance that it is not dangerous. (noun)
• A strong fear, dislike, or aversion. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "If the patient does not recognize the fear as excessive or unreasonable, it becomes very difficult to actually prove that the fear is indeed excessive and unreasonable and thus the term "phobia" is not applicable."
• "The term phobia being an irrational fear of something, nobody is afraid of homosexuals and nobody fears contracting homosexuality"
• "When neologisms with the word "phobia" are formed, this requirement should be considered."