Neophobia
Definition
Neophobia is the fear of anything new, particularly a persistent and abnormal fear. In its milder form, it can manifest as an unwillingness to try new things or break from routine.
Analogy
Imagine you're at your favorite restaurant that just updated their menu. You're so used to ordering your usual dish that the thought of trying something new makes you anxious. That's neophobia - a reluctance or fear of change or novelty.
Related terms
Agoraphobia: This is a type of anxiety disorder in which you fear and avoid places or situations that might cause you to panic and make you feel trapped, helpless or embarrassed.
Xenophobia: This is the fear or hatred of strangers, foreigners, or anything that is strange or foreign.
Acrophobia: This is an extreme or irrational fear of heights.
"Neophobia" appears in:
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