cynophobia

noun

cy·​no·​pho·​bia ˌsī-nə-ˈfō-bē-ə How to pronounce cynophobia (audio)
: pathological fear or loathing of dogs
If a person were attacked by a dog, that experience could prompt cynophobia, or fear of dogs.Becky Swartswatter
cynophobe noun
or cynophobic
plural cynophobes or cynophobics
Playwright William Shakespeare and Roman emperor Julius Caesar are among the people throughout history who have lived in terror of cats, and a cynophobe gets skittish around dogs. Jennifer MacKay
cynophobic adjective
By the end, as the characters connect with each other with the help of their dogs, only the most cynophobic audience members will refuse to shed a tear or two. The Capital Times (Madison, Wisconsin)

Word History

Etymology

Greek kyno-, combining form of kýōn, genitive kynós "dog" + -phobia — more at hound entry 1

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cynophobia was in 1830

Dictionary Entries Near cynophobia

Cite this Entry

“Cynophobia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cynophobia. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

cynophobia

noun
cy·​no·​pho·​bia -ˈfō-bē-ə How to pronounce cynophobia (audio)
: a morbid fear of dogs
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