Aichmophobia (/ˌeɪkməˈfoʊbiə/) is a kind ofspecific phobia, the morbid fear of sharp things.[1][citation needed] It is derived from theGreekaichmē (point) andphobos (fear). This fear may also be referred to asbelonephobia orenetophobia.
Sometimes this general term is used to refer to what is more specifically calledfear of needles, or needle phobia, or trypanophobia. Fear of needles is the extreme and irrational fear of medical procedures involvinginjections orhypodermic needles.
Not to be confused with similar condition (avoidance behavior) thevisual looming syndrome, where the patient does not fear sharp items, but feels pain or discomfort at gazing upon sharp objects nearby.