fear of the unknown
Dreading unfamiliar things
Fear of the unknown is anxiety or dread about what cannot be predicted or understood.
The phrase names a fundamental human response—we fear what we can't anticipate or control.
It appears in discussions of psychology, philosophy, and everyday life: His fear of the unknown kept him from traveling abroad.
The concept underlies many specific phobias.
- cosmic horrorFear of vast, unknowable forces
- dreadIntense anticipatory fear
- uncertaintyState of being unsure
- xenophobiaHatred of outsiders
- existential dreadTerror at meaningless being
the great beyond · anxiety · cold sweat · madness · ambiguity · worry · survival instinct · fight-or-flight response · threat detection · terra incognita · superstition · mortality · risk aversion · leap of faith · avoidance · vigilance · horror · hesitation
- fearsspiders, snakes, falling, heights, death
- Cat Lorecat goddess, familiar, witch's cat, familiars, black cat
fear of the unknowncuriosity
Desire to learn
neophilia · wonder · adventurousness · inquisitiveness · fearlessness
fear of the unknownequanimity
Unshakable mental steadiness
faith · cognitive flexibility · composure · confidence · groundedness
fear of the unknownpioneering spirit
Boldness to explore uncharted territory
risk appetite · boldness · daring · intrepidness · beginner's mind