Ailurophobia

Pronunciation

• RP IPA: /aɪˈljʊəɹəʊfəʊbiÉ™/

Alternative forms

• aelurophobia, elurophobia

Origin

From Ancient Greek αἴλουρος (ailuros, "cat") + -phobia.

Full definition of ailurophobia

Noun

1. An irrational fear or hatred of cats or other felines.
• 1920, Carl Can Vechten, The Tiger In The House, Whatever the cause there are many recorded instances of persons suffering from ailurophobia exhibiting symptoms of distress in rooms which apparently contained no cats; later cats would be discovered, hidden behind curtains or in closets.

Related terms

• ailurophobe
• ailurophile