Meaning
What does Ornithophobia mean?
Ornithophobia refers to the abnormal and irrational fear of birds.
It is a specific phobia, a subtype of zoophobia, which is a collective term for fear of animals in general.
A person suffering from “ornithophobia” may feel an overwhelming fear, anxiety and an uncontrollable urge to run away in the presence of birds.
Trembling, nausea, rapid heartbeat and sweating are the most common physical symptoms of the condition.
Another form of “ornithophobia” is the strong hate towards birds, especially pest kinds in grain-producing rural areas.
Origin
What's the origin of Ornithophobia?
The term is comprised of the Greek words ornis, which means bird, and phobia, which means fear from something.
The condition is usually caused by childhood trauma.
It could be firsthand experience, like being attacked by a bird or second hand, like watching someone be injured by a bird.
Spread & Usage
How did Ornithophobia spread?
The condition is not as widespread as other zoophobias, like cynophobia or ailurophobia, however it is just as severe and patients suffering from it need treatment.
Treatments to the condition include exposure therapy, coping methods as well as medications.
“Ornithophobia” was first defined on Urban Dictionary in 2005.
External resources
- MedicinNet – Medical Definition of Ornithophobia
- Verywell Mind – Coping With Ornithophobia