germophobe
Dreads microscopic invaders
A germophobe is someone with an excessive fear of germs and contamination.
The term is informal—clinical contexts prefer mysophobe.
Germophobes may wash hands compulsively, avoid public surfaces, or refuse to shake hands: He's such a germophobe he won't touch doorknobs.
The related noun is germophobia.
Cleaning palms with soap
- sanitizerAgent that reduces microbes
- soapFatty alkali cleanser
- disinfectantAgent destroying surface pathogens
- antibacterialKills or inhibits germs
sterilize · scrubbing · bleach · wipes · gloves · mask · antiseptic · decontaminate
Introduction of impurities
- infectionPathogen invasion causing illness
- bacteriaNucleus-free single-celled organisms
- virusesSubmicroscopic infectious particles
- pathogensDisease-causing microorganisms
microbes · disease · contagion · illness · sickness · filth · dirt · touching
Persistent apprehensive distress
- obsessionPersistent, intrusive preoccupation
- compulsionIrresistible urge to act
- paranoiaIrrational persecution fears
- avoidanceDeliberate keeping away
ritual · fixation · irrational fear · hypochondria · overthinking · hypervigilance · intrusive thoughts · catastrophizing
Completely free of marks
- immaculateCompletely without blemish
- pristinePure and untouched
- sterileFree from microorganisms
- sanitizedCleansed of contaminants
disinfected · squeaky-clean · uncontaminated · pure · untouched · sealed · wrapped · fresh
Joint-to-joint greetings
- hoveringSuspended without support
- maskingConcealing by covering
- social distancingDeliberate interpersonal spacing
handwashing
Cleaning palms with soap
- sanitizerAgent that reduces microbes
- soapFatty alkali cleanser
- disinfectantAgent destroying surface pathogens
antibacterial · sterilize · scrubbing · bleach · wipes · gloves · mask · antiseptic · decontaminate · sanitizing
contamination
Introduction of impurities
- infectionPathogen invasion causing illness
- bacteriaNucleus-free single-celled organisms
- virusesSubmicroscopic infectious particles
pathogens · microbes · disease · contagion · illness · sickness · filth · dirt · touching · surfaces
anxiety
Persistent apprehensive distress
- obsessionPersistent, intrusive preoccupation
- compulsionIrresistible urge to act
- paranoiaIrrational persecution fears
avoidance · ritual · fixation · irrational fear · hypochondria · overthinking · hypervigilance · intrusive thoughts · catastrophizing · control
spotless
Completely free of marks
- immaculateCompletely without blemish
- pristinePure and untouched
- sterileFree from microorganisms
sanitized · disinfected · squeaky-clean · uncontaminated · pure · untouched · sealed · wrapped · fresh · clean hands
elbow bumps
Joint-to-joint greetings
- hoveringSuspended without support
- maskingConcealing by covering
- social distancingDeliberate interpersonal spacing
- Soft G Wordsgel, gem, gene, genie, genius
- phobicsagoraphobe, claustrophobe, arachnophobe, hydrophobe, germaphobe