(Noun)
Pronunciation: [bran-tê-'fo-bi-ê]

Definition: The fear of thunder or thunderstorms.

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Usage: Very rare despite the fact that the phenomenon is rather common, especially among children. A person fearing thunder is a brontophobe because they are brontophobic.

Suggested Usage: Perhaps we should ignore this word because it is so rarely needed, "Percy, I'm not sure brontology is the right field for a brontophobe like yourself Why don't you try nuclear physics?" But, no, add it to your vocabulary for moments like this: "You know, Mavis, there is nothing like a brontophobic girl to pass a stormy night with."

Etymology: From Greek bronté "thunder" + phobía "fear." The brontosaur, or "thunder lizard," now bears its original name, apatosaur or "untrue lizard," lost for years but recently rediscovered. "Bronto-" rarely emerges in English: brontology is the study of thunderstorms and a brontometer is a device for rating them. "Phobia" and "phobe" are widely used: "claustrophobia" and "agoraphobia" are antonyms, and lexiphobia "the fear of words," is one of the most common afflictions treated by Dr. Language at yourDictionary.com.

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Word of the Day: Brontophobia

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