basophobia

English

Alternative forms

• basiphobia

Etymology

From Ancient Greek βάσις (básis, “step”) +‎ -phobia. Alternatively, from baso- +‎ -phobia.

Noun

basophobia (uncountable)

1. Inability to walk or stand erect, due to emotional causes.
   • 1908, A reference handbook of the medical sciences:

     In basophobia the patient by a sort of auto-suggestion persuades himself that it is impossible to stand upon his legs.

   • 2007, Frances Morris, Paulo Herkenhoff, Marie-Laure Bernadac, Louise Bourgeois, page 55:

     Although not diagnosed with basophobia, the clinical term for this fear, Bourgeois made it a major theme in her art. For example, the Personages of 1947-9 are unable to stand on their own […]

2. Fear of falling