Brontephobia

/ˌbrɑntiˈfoʊbiə/ noun

Definition

An intense, irrational fear of thunder and thunderstorms.

Etymology

From Greek 'bronte' (thunder) + 'phobos' (fear). This medical term was coined in the 1800s when doctors began cataloging specific phobias.

Kelly Says

Brontephobia shows up all the time in veterinary practice—dogs and cats go absolutely crazy during storms. Humans with this phobia often grew up after scary thunder incidents, showing how our brains remember what scares us.

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