What is the meaning of the suffix -phobia?

The suffix -phobia derives from the Greek word "phobos," meaning fear or aversion. It is commonly used in medical terminology to indicate an irrational fear of a specific object, situation, or activity. For example, "arachnophobia" refers to an extreme fear of spiders.

Understanding that -phobia signifies fear is essential in medical contexts, including psychology and psychiatry, where various phobias are categorized and studied for treatment. The other terms do not align with the definition of -phobia, making the understanding of this suffix crucial in recognizing and interpreting medical conditions related to fear.