AP Style holds that a “phobia” is an irrational, uncontrollable fear, often a form of mental illness. For example,
- Acrophobia: a fear of heights
- Claustrophobia: a fear of being in small, enclosed spaces
- Arachnophobia, a fear of spiders
Do not use in political or social contexts. For example,
- Homophobia
- Islamophobia
See also AP Style Mental Illness.