Fear of water

An abnormal and persistent fear of water.

Sufferers of aquaphobia experience anxiety even though they realize the water in an ocean, a river, a lake, a creek or even a bathtub may pose no imminent threat.

They generally avoid such activities as boating and swimming.

Around the house, they may fear the water in a shower or tub and even desist from bathing therein.

Fear of water is termed 'aquaphobia,' a hybrid term with roots in two ancient tongues.

It is from the Latin 'aqua' (water) and the Greek 'phobos' (fear).