Erythrophobia

/ɛˌrɪθroʊˈfoʊbiə/ noun

Definition

An irrational fear of the color red or of blushing and turning red in social situations.

Etymology

From Greek erythro- (red) + -phobia (fear). A phobia created by combining the color descriptor with the fear suffix, sometimes referring to the fear of appearing red from embarrassment.

Kelly Says

Erythrophobia can paradoxically make the problem worse: people who fear blushing get so anxious about the possibility that they actually trigger the blush response, creating a vicious cycle that some psychologists treat with specific exposure therapies.

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