Meanings
- uncountableThe fear of amoebas.
Iatrogenic amoebiasis became common in some areas, creating an amoebophobia, not only in the individual patient, but also in communities, in some of which the label became a social status symbol!
1968, Ronald Elsdon-Dew, “The Epidemiology of Amoebiasis”, in Advances in Parasitology, volume 6, London: Academic Press, →LCCN, page 22 more examples
We must warn patients that if their symptoms persist after adequate treatment a cause other than the amoeba must be sought. Consideration of these factors in the handling of the patient will prevent much demoralization, much belief in the incurability of amoebiasis and much amoebophobia.
1953 January 10, T. G. Armstrong, “Recent experiences in the treatment of amoebiasis”, in South African Medical Journal, volume 27, number 2, →PMID, page 44[W P. Stamm] concluded by pointing out that […] a zealous search for amoebae not followed by good clinical judgment could easily result in amoebophilia amongst doctors and a consequent amoebophobia in their patients.
1960 November, “Association of Clinical Pathologists: 65th General Meeting”, in Journal of Clinical Pathology, volume 13, number 6, London: British Medical Association, page 538
Origin
Cite this entry
amoebophobia. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 3, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/amoebophobia
“amoebophobia.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/amoebophobia. Accessed November 3, 2026.
WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “amoebophobia,” accessed November 3, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/amoebophobia.
Source: amoebophobia on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.