Androphobia is defined as a fear of men. The term originated inside feminist and lesbian-feminist movements to balance the opposite term “gynophobia,” which means a fear of women.
Misandry, another term that arose from the feminist and lesbian-feminist movements, is defined as a hatred of men. The opposite of misandry is misogyny, which means a hatred of women. Both men and women can be affected by androphobia.
What are the symptoms of androphobia?
The symptoms of androphobia may include:
- an instant, intense fear, anxiousness or panic when you see or think about men
- an awareness that your fear of men is irrational or inflated but you feel like you cannot control it
- anxiety that worsens as a man gets physically closer to you
- active avoidance of men or situations where you might encounter men; or feeling intense worry or fear in situations where you encounter men
- trouble carrying out your daily activities because you are afraid of men
- reactions to your fears that manifest physically, such as sweating, a rapid heartbeat, chest tightness, or trouble breathing
- nausea, dizziness, or fainting when in close proximity to men or thinking about men
In children, androphobia may manifest as tantrums with clinging, crying, or a refusal to leave a female parent’s side or approach a man.
