Ecclesiophobia

/ɪˌkliːziəˈfoʊbiə/ noun

Definition

An abnormal fear of churches or of church authority.

Etymology

From Greek 'ekklesia' (church) + 'phobos' (fear). This psychological term combines the Greek root for church with the standard '-phobia' suffix used to describe irrational fears.

Kelly Says

While it sounds like a modern psychology term, ecclesiophobia was actually documented in religious trauma discussions going back centuries—people genuinely developed anxiety around religious institutions, making this one of history's most understandable phobias.

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