Definition of Arachnophobia: Arachnophobia is an intense and irrational fear of spiders and other arachnids. This phobia can provoke panic attacks and cause people to go to great lengths to avoid spiders. Arachnophobia is one of the most common animal phobias and can range from mild discomfort to severe dread and anxiety at the sight or thought of spiders.
Etymology and Origin: The term ‘arachnophobia’ originates from the Greek word ‘arachne’, meaning ‘spider’, and ‘phobia’, from ‘phobos’, meaning ‘fear’. According to Greek mythology, Arachne was a skilled weaver who challenged the goddess Athena to a weaving contest and was subsequently transformed into a spider. The term ‘arachnophobia’ has been used in English since the early 20th century to describe the fear of spiders.
