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I am wondering what it's called when you fear the unknown, like I am scared of what's hidden deep in the ocean, far out in space, death, etc.--basically things I can't really explain. I just want to know what it's called.

pyobum
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Hazel
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3 Answers3

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Xenophobia

The irrational sensation of fear experienced about a person or a group of persons as well as situations that are perceived as strange or foreign. It is the fear of anything that is beyond one’s comfort zone.

This article would help explain a lot more on Xenophobia and also explains that this word would fit into your context.

CipherBot
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  • This is probably closest, but I reckon (pace Rumsfeld) it refers to a fear of the 'known unknowns'. I'm not sure that it describes that vague disquiet with no obvious cause that I think of when I hear fear of the unknown, and that I sense from the OP. – JHCL Sep 07 '15 at 12:01
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    Yeah, I think that word is at least perceived, in common use, as meaning more a fear of the strange than a fear of that which is actually unknown. – Hot Licks Sep 07 '15 at 12:13
  • @JHCL But the deep of the ocean is also while strange, not unknown. How could you fear something you don't even know it exists (or don't even believe it exists, before anybody brings up ghosts or similar). – skymningen Oct 21 '15 at 12:53
  • @skymningen - The OP refers to "what's hidden deep in the ocean", not the deep ocean itself. The point is that anything, including the previously unimagined, might be present, and a threat. – JHCL Oct 21 '15 at 13:05
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    I'm downvoting this, because while the "FearOf.net" article cited does define xenophobia as quoted in the answer, it is a non-standard definition, and none of the 5 dictionaries I checked, including OED, lists any definition even approaching it. The only dictionary-supported definition available is the standard, not-applicable-to-this-question "fear of foreigners [or strangers]". – Dan Bron Apr 16 '18 at 13:37
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Agoraphobia

Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder characterized by anxiety in situations where the sufferer perceives the environment to be dangerous, uncomfortable or unsafe. These situations can include wide-open spaces, uncontrollable social situations, unfamiliar places, shopping malls, airports and bridges.

And maybe Panphobia or Fear of everything.

Eilia
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Agnostophobia - Fear of the unknown.

Name of music album:
http://www.amazon.com/Agnostophobia-Fear-Of-The-Unknown/dp/B006M6AZ6U.

Perhaps, the word is now copyrighted as name of the album, but the word while yet to be used with acceptable usage, is the most accurately descriptive.

Blessed Geek
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