Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Pyrophobia
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This question checks your knowledge of technical vocabulary related to phobias, that is, abnormal fears. Such words combine Greek roots with the suffix phobia and appear in psychology, medicine, and even general reading. Here, you are asked to identify the correct term for a strong fear of fire, which is an important concept for safety, mental health, and language learning.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
Phobia words are built from Greek roots. The root pyro means fire. Astro relates to stars, hydro relates to water, and claustrum relates to closed spaces. Therefore, the term formed with pyro and phobia refers to fear of fire. Knowing these roots not only helps with this single question but also improves your ability to guess meanings of many similar words in English, which is very useful in competitive exams.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Verification / Alternative check:
To verify, place each term into a sentence. For example, Because of his pyrophobia, he refuses to be near candles or campfires. This sentence clearly links the word with a fear of fire. If you replace pyrophobia with hydrophobia, the sentence suggests fear of water and no longer matches fire. Similarly, with astraphobia or claustrophobia, the context changes to storms or closed places. This context test confirms that pyrophobia is correct.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes choose hydrophobia because they confuse the violent effects of fire with the violent effects of certain diseases, or they simply choose a word they have heard more often. Others may guess claustrophobia because it is a very familiar term. The safest strategy is to learn a few key Greek roots like pyro for fire, hydro for water, phono for sound, and so on. This knowledge will help you decode many specialized English words correctly.
Final Answer:
The correct one-word term for an abnormal fear of fire is Pyrophobia.
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