Ailurophobic

/ˌaɪlurəˈfoʊbɪk/ adjective

Definition

Describing someone who is afraid of or strongly dislikes cats.

Etymology

From Greek 'ailuros' (cat) + 'phobos' (fear), combining to form 'ailurophobia' (fear of cats), with the adjective suffix '-ic' added. The term was coined in the late 19th century as medical terminology for this specific phobia.

Kelly Says

Ailurophobia is surprisingly common—some estimates suggest 5-10% of people experience it—and it's often rooted in evolutionary caution rather than a specific bad experience. Famous ailurophobics throughout history include Napoleon Bonaparte and Julius Caesar, which is deliciously ironic since ancient Egyptians worshipped cats!

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