"fear of open spaces," 1873, from Ger. Agorophobie, coined by psychiatrist Carl Westphal, 1871, from Gk. agora "open space" (typically a marketplace), from ageirein "to assemble," + -phobia "fear."
Main Entry: ag·o·ra·pho·bia Pronunciation: "ag(-&)-r&-'fO-bE-& Function: noun : abnormal fear of being helpless in asituation from which escape may be difficult or embarrassing that is characterized initially often by panic or anticipatory anxiety and finally by avoidance of open or public places