Definition of Fear of painFear of pain: An abnormal and persistent fear of pain. The fear is excessive, beyond that which is expected under the circumstances, producing an anxiety reaction. Fear of pain is termed "algophobia," a word derived from the Greek "algos" (pain) and "phobos" (fear). Note that an "algometer" is an instrument for measuring pain (it does so by gauging the smallest pressure that produces pain). Last Editorial Review: 6/14/2012
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