noun
- an extreme or irrational fear of darkness or night
Usage: medical/psychological term; from Greek nyx (night) + phobos (fear)
Examples
- Her nyctophobia made it difficult for her to sleep without multiple lights on.
- The child's nyctophobia gradually improved with therapy and gradual exposure to darkness.
- Many people experience mild nyctophobia, but severe cases can significantly impact daily life.
- His nyctophobia stemmed from a traumatic childhood experience in the dark.
- The therapist helped him overcome his nyctophobia through systematic desensitization.
- Nyctophobia is more common in children but can persist into adulthood.