The Sum of All Fears

Franklin D Roosevelt opined in his inaugural address to the nation, 'The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.' I beg to differ, judging by the vast number of phobic words in our language.

For starters, ergophobic people are afraid of work. A possible double-whammy situation could occur if the same people commute by train but are also afflicted by siderodromophobia, and fear rail travel. I'm sure I'm a sufferer of the latter, if not the former.

Brontophobia is the fear of thunder. It certainly can assault the eardrums, but it's lightning that does the damage. Despite the word 'thunderstruck' being in existence, I've never heard of anyone brought low by thunder.

Ailurophobia is the fear of cats, while cynophobia pertains to dogs. If asked that age-old question as to whether you prefer dogs or cats, you could respond that you're doraphobic and dread touching any animal's fur.

Cremnophobia is a morbid dread of precipices or high places. I have no problem with high places, just so long as I'm looking up at them. As far as falling is concerned, it's the distance down that counts.

And finally, here's a phobia not seen much around these parts: logophobia – the fear of words.