germaphobic
Dreading invisible pathogens
Germaphobic describes an excessive or irrational fear of germs and contamination.
Someone germaphobic might obsessively wash their hands, avoid public surfaces, or refuse to shake hands: He's so germaphobic he won't touch doorknobs.
The noun is germaphobe.
Also spelled germophobic.
Nucleus-free single-celled organisms
- virusesSubmicroscopic infectious particles
- pathogensDisease-causing microorganisms
- microbesMicroscopic living organisms
- infectionPathogen invasion causing illness
contagion · disease · parasites · fungi · spores · mold · mildew · cross-contamination
Cleaning palms with soap
- sanitizerAgent that reduces microbes
- disinfectantAgent destroying surface pathogens
- glovesHand coverings with fingers
- maskFace-worn concealment
scrubbing · wiping · spraying · avoiding · checking · repetitive · ritualistic · decontamination
Emotional response to threat
- panicUncontrollable sudden fear
- dreadIntense anticipatory fear
- paranoiaIrrational persecution fears
- hypervigilanceHeightened threat sensitivity
apprehension · unease · nervousness · worry · stress · trepidation · agitation · distress
Cleansed of contaminants
- sterileFree from microorganisms
- disinfectedFreed from harmful microorganisms
- immaculateCompletely without blemish
- spotlessCompletely free of marks
pristine · antiseptic · scrubbed · purified · gleaming · squeaky-clean · unblemished · uncontaminated
bacteria
Nucleus-free single-celled organisms
- virusesSubmicroscopic infectious particles
- pathogensDisease-causing microorganisms
- microbesMicroscopic living organisms
infection · contagion · disease · parasites · fungi · spores · mold · mildew · cross-contamination · fomites
handwashing
Cleaning palms with soap
- sanitizerAgent that reduces microbes
- disinfectantAgent destroying surface pathogens
- glovesHand coverings with fingers
mask · scrubbing · wiping · spraying · avoiding · checking · repetitive · ritualistic · decontamination · antibacterial
fear
Emotional response to threat
hypervigilance · apprehension · unease · nervousness · worry · stress · trepidation · agitation · distress · alarm
sanitized
Cleansed of contaminants
- sterileFree from microorganisms
- disinfectedFreed from harmful microorganisms
- immaculateCompletely without blemish
spotless · pristine · antiseptic · scrubbed · purified · gleaming · squeaky-clean · unblemished · uncontaminated · hygienic
doorknobs
Rotating latching mechanisms
- handrailsBars for gripping while walking
- buffetsHits again and again
- handshakesMutual palm grips
crowds · hospitals · airplanes · keyboards · phones · money · sneezing · coughing · touching
germaphobicunhygienic
Not clean or sanitary
carefree · slovenly · filthy · dirty · unsanitary