A phobia is an intense and irrational fear or aversion towards a specific object, situation, or activity. It is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by an overwhelming and persistent fear that is disproportionate to the actual threat posed by the feared stimulus. Phobias can significantly impact a person’s daily life, leading to avoidance behaviors and causing distress or impairment.

There are various types of phobias, including specific phobias, social phobia (also known as social anxiety disorder), and agoraphobia. Specific phobias involve a fear of a particular object or situation, such as heights, spiders, flying, or needles. Social phobia involves a fear of social situations and the fear of being judged or embarrassed by others. Agoraphobia is the fear of being in situations from which escape may be difficult or embarrassing, leading to avoidance of public places.