What does the suffix -phobia mean?

The suffix -phobia refers to an exaggerated or irrational fear of a specific object, situation, or activity. It is derived from the Greek word "phobos," which means fear. For instance, in terms like "arachnophobia," which denotes an unreasonable fear of spiders, the use of -phobia signifies the fear aspect of the condition. This helps differentiate it from other suffixes that have different meanings, such as -philia, which denotes affection or love, or -penia, which refers to deficiency. Understanding this suffix is essential in medical terminology as it aids in identifying and describing various psychological conditions related to fear.