leprophobia

English

Alternative forms

• lepraphobia

Etymology

From leprosy +‎ -phobia.

Noun

leprophobia (uncountable)

1. (psychology) An irrationally excessive fear of Hansen's disease (leprosy) and lepers.
   • 1889, Transactions of the Medical and Physical Society of Bombay, number 12, page 123:

     I therefore entreat you to beware of the lepro-phobia that appears to be coming upon us.

2. Deep-seated loathing or hatred of lepers.
   • 1973, Anthony Bryceson et al., Leprosy for Students of Medicine, page 40:

     Do not treat for leprosy unless the diagnosis is established. Nothing is harder to cure than leprophobia.

References

• “leprophobia, n.”, in OED Online ⁠, Oxford, Oxfordshire: Oxford University Press, 2022.