cherophobia

English

Etymology

From Ancient Greek χαρά (khará) +‎ -o- +‎ -phobia.

Noun

cherophobia (uncountable)

1. (rare) aversion to being happy
   • 2013, Ma Jian, Beijing Coma, page 128:

     She clasped her hands tightly around my back and said, 'Sorry I spoke to you like that. I'm frightened, that's all. In psychology it's called cherophobia — fear of happiness. I'm afraid of getting hurt. Promise me you'll never leave me.'

Usage notes

• Mainly appears in novelty word lists.

Synonyms

• hedonophobia