What is the term for the fear of heights?

The fear of heights is known as acrophobia. This term is derived from the Greek words "akron," meaning "summit" or "height," and "phobos," meaning "fear." Individuals with acrophobia often experience intense anxiety or panic when they are in high places or even when thinking about heights. This fear can be quite debilitating, affecting their daily activities and limiting their experiences in environments where heights are involved, such as tall buildings, bridges, or even steep hills.

Claustrophobia refers to the fear of confined spaces, which is different from acrophobia as it relates to open spaces versus closed ones. Aerophobia is the fear of flying, which involves a different context entirely, and agoraphobia is characterized by anxiety about being in situations where escape might be difficult, often leading to a fear of open or crowded places. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why acrophobia specifically relates to heights.