# acarophobia

CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/acarophobia
Updated: 2026-05-26

## Definition

a very strong fear of spiders and other small insects with eight legs. It is a type of anxiety that makes you feel very uncomfortable when you see these creatures.

For teachers: an intense, irrational fear of arachnids, particularly spiders. Often classified as a specific phobia within the broader category of zoophobia.

## Examples

- He suffers from acarophobia and cannot even look at a spider.
- The therapist used gradual exposure therapy to help her manage her acarophobia during the summer months.
- While many people feel a mild discomfort around spiders, those with acarophobia experience a full-blown panic attack that significantly disrupts their daily routines and social interactions.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.