ataxophobia

English

Etymology

From a- +‎ taxo- +‎ -phobia.

Noun

ataxophobia (uncountable)

1. Abnormal fear or dislike of messiness, often associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder.
   • 1975, A. l. furman, Dog Stories More, →ISBN, page 36:

     "...You saw how he acted this morning. He's nervous and irritable and he dreads any noise or confusion — " "Ataxophobia," Tom murmured.

   • 2003, Joanne Friedman, It's a Horse's Life!, →ISBN:

     I'm working, however, on instilling a case of venustraphobia (fear of beautiful women—another use for Vicks) in my partner, and my daughter could use a little ataxophobia (fear of disorder or untidiness).

   • 2006, Jeanne Evans, Short Case Files, →ISBN, page 105:

     Yes, I have to, I have ataxophobia.

   • 2007, Andrew Morton, Posh & Becks, →ISBN, page 20:

     While Victoria acknowledges that he is more talented, better looking, and more stylish than her, it seems that his calm appearance is something of an illusion as well. He recently admitted that he suffers from ataxophobia (fear of disorder) to the point where he feels compelled to throw out drink cans in the refrigerator if there is an uneven number.

   • 2009, Hal Marcovitz, Phobias, page 14:

     Stories about international soccer star David Beckham's fear of disorder, or ataxophobia, have often found their way into the media. Beckham has organized his closets so that each shirt hangs according to its color.