- Today's Word
Abibliophobia
[uh-bib-lee-uh-FOH-bee-uh]
Definition
- (noun) The fear of running out of reading material. It’s a playful term used to describe the anxiety or distress some avid readers feel when they don’t have a book (or e-reader) readily available or when they’re nearing the end of their current read without another lined up.
Example
Sarah’s abibliophobia led her to always carry at least two books in her bag, just in case she finished one while out and about.
Fun Fact
While not a clinically recognized phobia, “abibliophobia” is a neologism created by combining the prefix “a-” (meaning “without”), “biblio-” (relating to books), and “-phobia” (fear). It’s a humorous term that resonates with book lovers and highlights the importance of reading in some people’s lives.
(noun) A burden, duty, or responsibility—especially one that is difficult or unwelcome.
The onus of proving the theory fell on the scientists who proposed it.
From Latin onus, meaning “load” or “burden.”