An abnormal fear of being touched or of touching things, often related to anxiety disorders or trauma.
From Greek 'haptein' meaning 'to touch' combined with 'phobos' meaning fear. Created as a clinical psychological term in the 20th century to describe specific touch-related anxiety.
Haptophobia is real and serious for some people—trauma survivors, autism spectrum individuals, or those with anxiety disorders might experience intense distress at unexpected touch, and understanding the term helps medical professionals take it seriously rather than dismissing it.
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