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Word: mysophobia (lookup in dictionary) (lookup stats)
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Usage:

Dread of dirt (mysophobia) goes hand in overwashed hand with the cleanliness compulsion. The victim must carry out his cleansing routine even though he knows it is unreasonable. Otherwise, he finds himself the prisoner of intolerable anxiety. The cleanliness compulsion commonly arises from conflict involving a strict and perfectionist parent. The victim begins by being simply overneat and fussy about cleanliness. Then he gets into conflict with all the people around him who do not comply with his compulsive standards. His compulsion may drive him to excessive washing of his body, of clothes, and even doorknobs. (One legendary American tycoon...

Author: /time Magazine | Title: Medicine: The Anatomy of Angst | 3/31/1961 | See Source »

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