Definition of Claustrophobia
Claustrophobia: An abnormal and persistent fear of closed spaces, of being closed in or being shut in, as in elevators, tunnels, or any other confined space. The fear is excessive (and quite common).
The word "claustrophobia" is an amalgam made from the Latin "claudere", to shut + the Greek "phobis", fear.
Source: MedTerms™ Medical Dictionaryhttp://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=9951
Last Editorial Review: 1/3/2000
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