germophobes
Fear contamination constantly
Germophobes are people who have an excessive fear of germs and contamination.
The term combines germ with the suffix -phobe, meaning one who fears.
Germophobes may wash their hands compulsively, avoid touching public surfaces, or refuse to shake hands.
My roommate is such a germophobe that she wipes down every doorknob in the apartment.
The condition ranges from mild aversion to clinical obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Following prescribed ceremony
- repetitiveMarked by recurrence
- checkingAct of verification
- countingDetermining quantity sequentially
- compulsiveUnable to stop oneself
fixation · control · perfectionism · inflexibility · routine · orderliness · triggers
Cleaning palms with soap
- sanitizerAgent that reduces microbes
- disinfectantAgent destroying surface pathogens
- soapFatty alkali cleanser
- antibacterialKills or inhibits germs
sterilize · wipes · gloves · alcohol · bleach · scrubbing · decontaminate · antiseptic
Introduction of impurities
- infectionPathogen invasion causing illness
- bacteriaNucleus-free single-celled organisms
- virusesSubmicroscopic infectious particles
- pathogensDisease-causing microorganisms
microbes · disease · illness · contagion · pandemic · epidemic · biohazard · microorganisms
Uncontrollable sudden fear
- worryTroubled mental state
- dreadIntense anticipatory fear
- apprehensionNervous anticipation of trouble
- nervousnessState of anxious unease
unease · trepidation · paranoia · distress · agitation · hypervigilance · catastrophizing · avoidance
ritualistic
Following prescribed ceremony
- repetitiveMarked by recurrence
- checkingAct of verification
- countingDetermining quantity sequentially
compulsive · fixation · control · perfectionism · inflexibility · routine · orderliness · triggers
handwashing
Cleaning palms with soap
- sanitizerAgent that reduces microbes
- disinfectantAgent destroying surface pathogens
- soapFatty alkali cleanser
antibacterial · sterilize · wipes · gloves · alcohol · bleach · scrubbing · decontaminate · antiseptic · masks
contamination
Introduction of impurities
- infectionPathogen invasion causing illness
- bacteriaNucleus-free single-celled organisms
- virusesSubmicroscopic infectious particles
pathogens · microbes · disease · illness · contagion · pandemic · epidemic · biohazard · microorganisms · parasites
panic
Uncontrollable sudden fear
- worryTroubled mental state
- dreadIntense anticipatory fear
- apprehensionNervous anticipation of trouble
nervousness · unease · trepidation · paranoia · distress · agitation · hypervigilance · catastrophizing · avoidance · rumination
handshakes
Mutual palm grips
- crowdsAssembled multitudes
- hospitalsInstitutions treating the sick
- doorknobsRotating latching mechanisms
handrails · public-transit · buffets · touchscreens · airplanes · gyms · hotels · keyboards · phones