Claustrophilia and claustrophobia

Claustrophilia and claustrophobia are opposites in how a person reacts to enclosed spaces.

1. Claustrophobia (폐소공포증)

Definition: An intense fear of small or enclosed spaces.

Example: Someone with claustrophobia may panic in elevators, crowded rooms, or airplanes.

Sentence: He avoids small rooms because he has claustrophobia.


2. Claustrophilia (폐쇄공간 선호증)

Definition: A preference for or attraction to small, enclosed spaces.

Example: Someone with claustrophilia might feel comfortable or even enjoy being in tight spaces like small rooms or caves.

Sentence: She loves curling up in tiny spaces; she might have claustrophilia.


Key Difference:

Claustrophobia → Fear of enclosed spaces (negative reaction)

Claustrophilia → Enjoyment of enclosed spaces (positive reaction)


Claustrophobia is well-known, while claustrophilia is much rarer and not commonly discussed.