An intense, irrational fear of spiders that causes significant distress or impairment in daily functioning. This specific phobia can trigger panic attacks, avoidance behaviors, and physical symptoms like sweating or rapid heartbeat when encountering spiders or even thinking about them.
From Greek 'arachne' (spider) and 'phobos' (fear). The term was coined in the late 19th century as psychology began classifying specific phobias, drawing from the mythological figure Arachne who was transformed into a spider.
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