Definition of Apiphobia
Apiphobia: Fear of bees.
A phobia is an unreasonable sort of fear that can cause avoidance
and panic. Phobias are a relatively common type of anxiety disorder.
Phobias can be treated with cognitive behavioral therapy using
exposure and fear reduction techniques. In many cases, anti-anxiety
or anti-depressant medication proves helpful, especially during the
early stages of therapy.
The word "apiphobia" comes from "api-" from the Greek "apis"
meaning bee + "phobia" from the Greek "phobos" meaning fear =
literally, fear (of) bee(s). Apiphobia is also called melissophobia,
since "melissa" is another Greek word for bee.
Last Editorial Review: 1/9/2000
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