germaphobia
Fear of microbes
Germaphobia is an excessive or irrational fear of germs and contamination.
Someone with germaphobia may avoid touching surfaces, wash their hands compulsively, or refuse to share food or utensils: Her germaphobia makes it hard to eat at restaurants.
The condition ranges from mild squeamishness to debilitating anxiety.
Also called mysophobia.
Nucleus-free single-celled organisms
- virusesSubmicroscopic infectious particles
- pathogensDisease-causing microorganisms
- microbesMicroscopic living organisms
- infectionPathogen invasion causing illness
disease · contagion · transmission · exposure · touching · doorknobs · handrails · sneezing
Cleaning palms with soap
- sanitizerAgent that reduces microbes
- disinfectingKilling bacteria and viruses
- scrubbingCleaning by rubbing hard
- sterilizationComplete elimination of microbes
antiseptic · bleach · soap · wiping · antibacterial · decontamination · showering · laundering
Uncontrollable sudden fear
- dreadIntense anticipatory fear
- hypervigilanceHeightened threat sensitivity
- uneaseMild persistent worry
- apprehensionNervous anticipation of trouble
nervousness · distress · worry · tension · agitation · trepidation · catastrophizing · avoidance
Ceremonial repeated practices
- checkingAct of verification
- countingDetermining quantity sequentially
- avoidanceDeliberate keeping away
- fixationPersistent mental attachment
preoccupation · perfectionism · control · routine · time-consuming · distressing · uncontrollable · persistent
bacteria
Nucleus-free single-celled organisms
- virusesSubmicroscopic infectious particles
- pathogensDisease-causing microorganisms
- microbesMicroscopic living organisms
infection · disease · contagion · transmission · exposure · touching · doorknobs · handrails · sneezing · coughing
handwashing
Cleaning palms with soap
- sanitizerAgent that reduces microbes
- disinfectingKilling bacteria and viruses
- scrubbingCleaning by rubbing hard
sterilization · antiseptic · bleach · soap · wiping · antibacterial · decontamination · showering · laundering · gloves
panic
Uncontrollable sudden fear
- dreadIntense anticipatory fear
- hypervigilanceHeightened threat sensitivity
- uneaseMild persistent worry
apprehension · nervousness · distress · worry · tension · agitation · trepidation · catastrophizing · avoidance
rituals
Ceremonial repeated practices
- checkingAct of verification
- countingDetermining quantity sequentially
- avoidanceDeliberate keeping away
fixation · preoccupation · perfectionism · control · routine · time-consuming · distressing · uncontrollable · persistent · ritualistic
- compulsionsOCD, compulsion, obsession, handwashing, hand washing
- pandemiclockdowns, COVID-19, outbreak, epidemic, COVID
germaphobiaslovenliness
Habitual untidiness or carelessness
filthiness · unhygienic · dirtiness · uncleanliness · poor hygiene
germ, germs, germicide, germicidal, phobia, phobic, phobias, agoraphobia, claustrophobia