what is "agoraphobia"?

Answer 1

fear of open spaces.

Answer 2

The term agoraphobia has been widely misunderstood. Its literal definition suggests a fear of "open spaces". However, this is an incomplete and misleading view. Agoraphobics are not necessarily afraid of open spaces. Rather, they are afraid of having panicky feelings, wherever. these fearful feelings may occur. For many, they happen at home, in houses of worship, or in crowded supermarkets, places that are certainly not "open".

In fact, agoraphobia is a condition which develops when a person begins to avoid spaces or situations associated with anxiety. Typical "phobic situations" might include driving, shopping, crowded places, traveling, standing in line, being alone, meetings and social gatherings.

Answer 3

Agoraphobia is a form of anxiety disorder. Sufferers of agoraphobia fear crowded situations, especially in a confined space, where anxiety may escalate into panic attacks. As a result, sufferers of agoraphobia are often confined to their homes and face difficulty traveling to the outdoors.

Answer 4

agora is a greek word meaning an open space like a plaza.

phobia means fear.

so agoraphobia means fear of open spaces.

Answer 5

I think the open spaces thing is wrong, although it is to do with going outside it is a fear of crowded places or confrontation.

Answer 6

AGORAPHOBIA IS A FEAR OF GOING OUT OF DOORS,
WHEN SOMEONE IS REALLY PETRIFIED OF GOING OUTSIDE SO MUCH SO THAT THEY CAN HAVE A PANIC ATTACK IF FORCED TO DO SO.

Answer 7

Not to be confused with angoraphobia, fear of a type of animal hailing from Ankara (rabbits, goat, cats)

OK I made that one up...

Answer 8

Morbid dread of open space

Answer 9

it's fear of open spaces. People rarely go out and it can cause lot's of problems.

Answer 10

It's a severe, and paranoaic, fear of open spaces...

Answer 11

Jake P is right on the money and so is the person above him I think.