aphenphosmphobia

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English

Etymology

Unknown element(s) +‎ -phobia. The initial aphe- element is likely based on Ancient Greek ἁφή (haphḗ, touch), the same root as haphephobia. There is no Greek root φοσμ- (phosm-) or φωσμ- (phōsm-), and φῶς (phôs, light) can be eliminated on semantic grounds, so the middle element is probably a fanciful invention or error.

Noun

aphenphosmphobia (uncountable)

  1. A morbid fear of being touched.
    Synonym: haphephobia
    • 2005, Christine Spindler, Faces of Fear, an Inspector Terry Mystery, Hard Shell Word Factory, page 65:
      "What have you been treating Maureen for?"
      "Aphenphosmphobia. She is...she was scared of having her throat touched."
    • 2011, Craig Russell, The Carnival Master, page 107:
      Since the stabbing she had struggled most with aphenphosmphobia, a morbid fear of physical contact with other human beings.