Definition of Fear of thunder
Fear of thunder: An abnormal and persistent fear of thunder that causes undue anxiety even though sufferers realize that thunder itself poses no threat to them. When outdoors during a thunderstorm, they may suffer excessive anxiety. When indoors, they may hide under beds or desks, behind sofas, or in closets.
Fear of thunder is termed "brontophobia," a word derived from the Greek "bronte" (thunder) and "phobos" (fear). "Brontophobia" has given us the English word "brontometer," an instrument for recording the activity of thunderstorms.
A related term: Astraphobia, fear of thunderstorms.
Source: MedTerms™ Medical Dictionaryhttp://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=12268
Last Editorial Review: 6/14/2012
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