achluophobia

English

Etymology

From Ancient Greek ἀχλύς (akhlús, “darkness”) and -phobia.

Noun

achluophobia (uncountable)

1. The fear of darkness.
   • 2007, Dave Smith, Backcountry Bear Basics: The Definitive Guide to Avoiding Unpleasant Encounters‎^[1], The Mountaineers Books, →ISBN:

     If you have a severe case of achluophobia (fear of the dark), for instance, you may want to wait at the mouth of the cave.

   • 2013, Chris Island, Gunny's Short Stories and Life Lessons, Trafford Publishing, →ISBN, page 56:

     When I was little, I had achluophobia and had to sleep with some kind light, any kind of light.

   • 2013, Si Robertson, Si-cology 1: Tales and Wisdom from Duck Dynasty’s Favorite Uncle, Howard Books, →ISBN, page 37:

     I'm not exactly sure when I was diagnosed with achluophobia—the fear of darkness—but I've always been afraid to be left alone in the dark.

   • For more quotations using this term, see Citations:achluophobia.

Related terms

• achluophobic