Educational Content: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
Definition of Fear of depths
Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026
Fear of depths: An abnormal and persistent fear of depths. Sufferers of this fear experience anxiety even though they realize they are safe from falling into or being consumed by depths. The feared object may be a long, dark hallway, a well or a deep pool or lake.
Fear of depths is termed "bathophobia," a word derived from the Greek "bathos" (depth) and "phobos" (fear).