claustrophobic

adjective

claus·​tro·​pho·​bic ˌklȯ-strə-ˈfō-bik 

1

: affected with or inclined to claustrophobia

2

: inducing or suggesting claustrophobia

claustrophobically

ˌklȯ-strə-ˈfō-bi-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of claustrophobic in a Sentence

The theater can be a little claustrophobic when it's full.

She doesn't go in elevators because she is claustrophobic.

Recent Examples on the Web

Oliver Miller’s evocative cinematography is an invaluable asset, during both scenes set outside in wintery locations and the claustrophobic interior of Hegel’s mansion. —Joe Leydon, Variety, 28 Feb. 2025

What was once capital-B Big and brassy now feels claustrophobic as glissandi descend into chaos. —Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 27 Feb. 2025

Volvo Volvo The rear seats aren't too claustrophobic. —Chad Kirchner, Ars Technica, 26 Feb. 2025

For a film about the claustrophobic survivalism endemic to deep-sea diving, Last Breath is oddly relaxed, a movie whose tension seems just as lost underwater as its subject. —Gregory Nussen, Deadline, 26 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1889, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for claustrophobic

• anaerobic
• homophobic
• hydrophobic
• aerobic
• phobic

Medical Definition

claustrophobic

1 of 2 adjective

claus·​tro·​pho·​bic ˌklȯ-strə-ˈfō-bik 

1

: suffering from or inclined to claustrophobia

2

: inducing or suggesting claustrophobia

claustrophobically

-bi-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

claustrophobic

2 of 2 noun

: claustrophobe