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 thunder
Medically reviewed by Dr. Otari Nergadze, Neurosurgeon | Updated: January 2026
Fear of thunder: An abnormal and persistent fear of thunder that causes undue anxiety even though sufferers realize that thunder itself poses no threat to them. When outdoors during a thunderstorm, they may suffer excessive anxiety. When indoors, they may hide under beds or desks, behind sofas, or in closets.
Fear of thunder is termed "brontophobia," a word derived from the Greek "bronte" (thunder) and "phobos" (fear). "Brontophobia" has given us the English word "brontometer," an instrument for recording the activity of thunderstorms.
A related term: Astraphobia, fear of thunderstorms.