Germaphobe

B2 8+

Pronunciation: /dʒɝməˌfoʊb/

Definitions of germaphobe

noun a person who has an extreme fear of germs and avoids contact with other people or objects that may be contaminated

Example Sentences

A1 My friend is a germaphobe and always carries hand sanitizer.

A2 The germaphobe refused to shake hands with anyone at the party.

B1 As a germaphobe, she always wipes down surfaces before sitting down in a restaurant.

B2 The germaphobe's fear of germs has led them to wear gloves in public places.

C1 The germaphobe's obsession with cleanliness borders on OCD.

C2 The germaphobe's meticulous hygiene practices have kept them healthy for years.

Examples of germaphobe in a Sentence

formal The germaphobe always carries hand sanitizer with them wherever they go.

informal My friend is such a germaphobe, she won't even touch a doorknob without using a tissue.

slang I can't stand being around that germaphobe, they're always freaking out about getting sick.

figurative She was a germaphobe when it came to her personal information, never sharing anything with anyone.

Grammatical Forms of germaphobe

plural

germaphobes

comparative

more germaphobic

superlative

most germaphobic

present tense

germaphobe

future tense

will germaphobe

perfect tense

have germaphobed

continuous tense

is germaphobing

singular

germaphobe

positive degree

germaphobe

infinitive

to germaphobe

gerund

germaphobing

participle

germaphobed

Origin and Evolution of germaphobe

First Known Use: 1960 year
Language of Origin: English
Story behind the word: The word 'germaphobe' originated from the combination of 'germ' and 'phobia', indicating a fear of germs or contamination.
Evolution of the word: The term 'germaphobe' gained popularity in the mid-20th century with the rise of awareness around hygiene and cleanliness. Initially used to describe individuals excessively concerned with cleanliness and avoiding germs, the word has evolved to encompass a broader range of behaviors related to germ avoidance and fear of contamination.