I have a fear of clowns. What is this phobia called?

Question

I know why I fear them. It's because I can't see their true faces. It's not like a mask, you can rip one of those off...usually. But with grease paint, you cant just wipe it away in 1 or 2 swipes. I've been this way all my life and I inevidably passed it to 1 of my children without him having any knowledge of my fear. Also, does anyone know a way to overcome this fear? Just facing them doesn't work for me I've tried that and I almost killed myself trying to get away!...LOL

Answer 1

That is Coulrophobia.

Perhaps, rather than facing a clown in full makeup, you might find someone who will help you "step-by-step" - by facing a clown in only a part of his/her makeup (presumably leaving the whiteface until the last). No guarantees, but it might be worth a try.

Answer 2

I have no idea what its called but I share your phobia

I dont run screaming from clowns (unless they appear in my room) but I have a deep mistrust of those i see in clown or mime makeup - due to, as you say, the "mask" they wear.
Plus the fact John Wayne Gacy proved to me what I always believed Clowns were like.

When I was a child, and only a bit unsettled by their shady angry faces under the makeup, i was horribly aware that none of the clowns in the circus seemed to be naturally cheery. They were all depressive, creepy men. Also most clowns are very short
Draw what you will from that - but I rarely hear of a clown that has a normal adult relatonship with a woman....

Hence - they terrify me. As do dwarves......

Answer 3

Apparently 'Coulrophobia' is on the increase in America. It could have something to do with all those Fathers doing there "Steve Martin" impersonation at Family BBQs. People 'see' someone that They instinctively 'know' but can not identify Them. Make sense to You?

Answer 4

Coulrophobia

Answer 5

Coulrophobia- Fear of clowns.

Answer 6

This looks useful for you:
http://www.phobia-fear-release.com/fear-of-clowns.html

It says:
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You have fear of clowns because you are afraid of junky make-ups, which often conceal the real identity of a person and make the individual look utterly unreal.

Some well known films where you see a clown in the role of a serial killer are Friday the 13th, Saw, Scream, Nightmare on Elm Street and Halloween.
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Maybe you watched one of those films a long time ago but forgot about it.

Answer 7

The internet said Coulrophobia. Not sure though. You can try to google it.

Answer 8

cocoitus

Answer 9

CLOWNPHOBIA