germophobic
Dreads microbial contact
Germophobic describes an extreme or irrational fear of germs and contamination.
Someone germophobic might obsessively wash their hands, avoid public surfaces, or refuse to shake hands: She's so germophobic she won't touch doorknobs.
The noun is germophobe.
Also spelled germaphobic.
Nucleus-free single-celled organisms
- virusesSubmicroscopic infectious particles
- pathogensDisease-causing microorganisms
- microbesMicroscopic living organisms
- infectionPathogen invasion causing illness
contagion · disease · transmission · exposure · surfaces · doorknobs · handrails · touch
Emotional response to threat
- panicUncontrollable sudden fear
- dreadIntense anticipatory fear
- hypervigilanceHeightened threat sensitivity
- paranoiaIrrational persecution fears
obsession · avoidance · worry · apprehension · unease · nervousness · trepidation · distress
Scrubbing with soap
- sanitizerAgent that reduces microbes
- disinfectantAgent destroying surface pathogens
- antibacterialKills or inhibits germs
- soapFatty alkali cleanser
scrubbing · sterilizing · bleach · alcohol · wipes · gloves · mask · handwashing
Mutual palm grips
- crowdsAssembled multitudes
- public-transitShared community transportation systems
- hospitalsInstitutions treating the sick
- buffetsHits again and again
bacteria
Nucleus-free single-celled organisms
- virusesSubmicroscopic infectious particles
- pathogensDisease-causing microorganisms
- microbesMicroscopic living organisms
infection · contagion · disease · transmission · exposure · surfaces · doorknobs · handrails · touch · contact
fear
Emotional response to threat
- panicUncontrollable sudden fear
- dreadIntense anticipatory fear
- hypervigilanceHeightened threat sensitivity
paranoia · obsession · avoidance · worry · apprehension · unease · nervousness · trepidation · distress · aversion
hand-washing
Scrubbing with soap
- sanitizerAgent that reduces microbes
- disinfectantAgent destroying surface pathogens
- antibacterialKills or inhibits germs
soap · scrubbing · sterilizing · bleach · alcohol · wipes · gloves · mask · handwashing · cleansing
handshakes
Mutual palm grips
- crowdsAssembled multitudes
- public-transitShared community transportation systems
- hospitalsInstitutions treating the sick
germophobicunsanitary
Lacking proper cleanliness
unhygienic · carefree · unconcerned · nonchalant · indifferent
germophobicfearless
Lacking any apprehension
unbothered · cavalier · reckless · daring · unhesitant