noun
- an excessive fear of germs and contamination; a pathological anxiety about infection and disease
Usage: also spelled germophobia; informal; often used in everyday contexts to describe heightened concern about cleanliness
Examples
- Her germaphobia made it difficult for her to shake hands with strangers.
- During the pandemic, some people's germaphobia intensified significantly.
- He washed his hands constantly due to his germaphobia.
- Germaphobia can sometimes interfere with normal social interactions.
- The doctor explained that mild germaphobia is common, but extreme cases may require treatment.
- She struggled with germaphobia and avoided public transportation whenever possible.