Glossophobia

/ɡlɔsɑˈfoʊbiə/ noun

Definition

An intense, irrational fear of speaking in public or fear of using one's tongue, sometimes called a speech phobia.

Etymology

From Greek 'glossa' (tongue) + 'phobos' (fear). This psychological term emerged in the 20th century as psychiatry developed precise terminology for specific anxiety disorders.

Kelly Says

Even though glossophobia literally means 'fear of the tongue,' it's usually used to describe public speaking anxiety—which is actually one of the most common phobias, ranking right up there with fear of heights and spiders!

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