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

Pieces crammed too closely together feel claustrophobic. —Kansas City Star, 1 May 2026

Ohm faces plenty of freaky sights and sounds, from dead bodies and claustrophobic dumbwaiters to a creepy kids show that will give you the willies. —Brian Truitt, USA Today, 1 May 2026

While some can be overbearingly hot, the hammam here is kept at the perfect temperature with just the right amount of steam, never stifling or claustrophobic. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Apr. 2026

Melissa Leo also stars in what Øvredal is calling his most relentless, claustrophobic film to date. —Mark Meszoros, Twin Cities, 25 Apr. 2026

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