Page "Phobia" Paragraph 49

The word phobia may also signify conditions other than fear.

For example, although the term hydrophobia means a fear of water, it may also mean inability to drink water due to an illness, or may be used to describe a chemical compound which repels water.

It was also once used as a synonym for rabies, as an aversion to water is one of its symptoms.

Likewise, the term photophobia may be used to define a physical complaint ( i. e. aversion to light due to inflamed eyes or excessively dilated pupils ) and does not necessarily indicate a fear of light.