adj
claustrophobic
adj
1
Suffering from, or prone to, an intense fear of enclosed spaces.
"He felt claustrophobic the moment the MRI tube closed around him."
2
Describing a space that feels uncomfortably cramped or confining.
"The basement flat had a low ceiling and felt claustrophobic."
"The elevator was small and claustrophobic, barely fitting four people."
How to Use Claustrophobic
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither "afraid of tight spaces" (a person) or "uncomfortably tight and enclosed" (a place).
Common pairings
a claustrophobic room
feel claustrophobic
Word Forms
more claustrophobic comparative, claustrophobics plural, most claustrophobic superlative
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He felt _____ the moment the MRI tube closed around him.