Definition

A person who has a fear of being in closed or small spaces.

Example

As a claustrophobe, she felt anxious in the crowded elevator.

Conversation

I heard you felt anxious during the elevator ride.

Yeah, I'm a bit of a claustrophobe to be honest.

That must be tough when you have to use public transport.

It is, but I try to manage it as best as I can.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Claustrophobe → It is formed from "claustrum" (from Latin, meaning a closed space or enclosure) and "phobia" (from Greek "phobos", meaning fear). The word describes a person who has a fear of closed or confined spaces.

Memory Tip

Think of 'claustrum' meaning a closed space, and 'phobia' meaning fear — this helps you remember that a claustrophobe is someone who fears closed spaces.

Visually Confused Words