Which suffix denotes fear?

• A. Philia
• B. Phleb(o)
• C. Phasia
• D. -Phobia

Answer: (D)

Fear is indicated by the suffix -phobia. In medical terms, attaching -phobia to a root names an excessive fear or aversion toward that thing, as in claustrophobia (fear of confined spaces) or arachnophobia (fear of spiders). The other options convey different ideas: -philia means love or attraction to something (bibliophilia, love of books), phleb- is a combining form meaning vein (phlebotomy), and -phasia relates to speech or language (aphasia). So -phobia is the suffix that denotes fear.