Choose the correct one-word substitution for:
"Fear of being enclosed in small or confined spaces."
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
Correct Answer
Claustrophobia
Explanation
The question asks for the correct one-word substitution for the irrational fear of confined, small, or restricted spaces.
Claustrophobia directly translates to this specific anxiety disorder. It is a combination of the Latin word claustrum, which means a shut-in place or lock, and the Greek word phobia, which means fear.
The other options represent completely different types of fears and anxieties because "Agoraphobia" refers to the fear of open or public crowded spaces, "Acrophobia" refers to the extreme fear of heights, and "Xenophobia" refers to the fear or dislike of people from other countries or cultures.
Key Points
The root word suffix Phobia always indicates an extreme or irrational fear of a specific trigger.
Breaking down vocabulary roots on your exam paper allows for rapid elimination of incorrect choices by identifying known prefixes like acro for heights or xeno for strangers.