Where does “photophobia” come from?
Photophobia derives from Ancient Greek φόβος (phóbos, fear) and γράφω (gráphō, to write), combined through the prefix photo- meaning light.
photophobia (English): Excessive sensitivity to light and the aversion...
Definitions
- Excessive sensitivity to light and the aversion...
Ancestry of “photophobia”, step by step
photophobia traces back through two separate lines of ancestry.
via English photo
| Step | Language | Word | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | English | photo | A photograph; A photo finish; To take a... |
| 2 | English | photography | The art and technology of producing images on... |
| 3 | French | photographie | photography; photograph |
| 4 | Ancient Greek | φωτο- | — |
| 5 | Ancient Greek | φῶς | Attic form of φᾰ́ος |
| 6 | Proto-Hellenic | pʰáos | — |
| 7 | Proto-Indo-European | bʰéh₂os | — |
| 8 | Proto-Indo-European | bʰeh₂- | to shine, glow light; to speak, say |
| 9 | Proto-Indo-European | bʰeh₂-s-ri- | — |
via English Phobia
| Step | Language | Word | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | English | Phobia | An irrational, abnormal, or obsessive fear (of something) |