fear of gravity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fear of gravity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing phobias, anxieties, or metaphorical interpretations related to gravity or falling. Example: "His fear of gravity kept him from enjoying activities like skydiving or bungee jumping."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Barophobia- Fear of gravity.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The fear that had calcified between my shoulders was suddenly not there – fear that had been my centre of gravity, fear that had been so ever present in my life that I was unaware of its existence until that moment of its first absence.

The Guardian - Travel

For fear of underplaying the gravity of the situation, presumably.

The Guardian - Sport

Years ago, after sobbing with fear through a screening of Gravity, I turned to my companion and asked: "Why doesn't anyone ever make a movie where people go to space, have a nice time, and then get home safely?" The answer of course is that it would be a boring movie.

The Guardian - Film

No fears of a "Gravity -like scenario for Soledad O'Brien, who will be safely on terra firma as host of the new special "Live From Space". 5 and 8 p.m. National Gravity -likeannel.

Los Angeles Times

Faces reflect an authentic sense of fear and gravity.

The New York Times - Books

He's also the Penguins' most feared hockey player, their center of gravity.

The New York Times - Sports

The center of gravity in both "Fear Not" and "Saints Have Mothers" is almost entirely at crotch level.

The New York Times - Books

He recently demonstrated the particular Trump posture to Stephen Colbert, noting, of the President, that "he has no center of gravity," hence his reported fear of stairs and slopes.

The New Yorker

This is not an unalloyed endorsement; unlike Hugo or Life of Pi, both of which worked perfectly well (maybe even better) in 2D, I fear that Gravity may lose some of its experiential raison d'etre if stripped of its meticulously orchestrated stereoscopy, exposing a lack of narrative depth, looking a little (how shall I put this?) flat.

The Guardian - Film

It's center-of-gravity music.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the specific phobia, use the term "barophobia" for accuracy. If describing a more general fear or anxiety related to gravity's effects, "fear of gravity" is acceptable.

Common error

Avoid using "fear of gravity" interchangeably with other height-related phobias like acrophobia (fear of heights). "Fear of gravity" specifically relates to the force itself, not just being at a high altitude.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fear of gravity" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It names a specific phobia (barophobia) or a general anxiety related to the effects of gravity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fear of gravity" refers to barophobia or, more generally, to anxiety about falling. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While infrequent, the phrase appears in diverse contexts like news, science, and encyclopedias. For formal settings, "barophobia" is preferable; otherwise, "fear of gravity" is acceptable. Related phrases include "anxiety about gravity" and "aversion to gravity". When writing, avoid conflating this specific fear with general height-related phobias.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

barophobia

This is the specific name for the fear of gravity.

anxiety about gravity

Replaces "fear" with "anxiety", suggesting a less intense emotional response.

aversion to gravity

Uses "aversion" instead of "fear", implying a dislike or avoidance.

apprehension about gravitational forces

More formal and scientific, specifying "gravitational forces".

dread of falling

Focuses on the consequence of gravity, which is falling.

unease regarding gravity

Suggests a mild discomfort or lack of ease.

phobic response to gravity

Highlights the clinical or psychological aspect of the fear.

terror of gravitational pull

Emphasizes the intensity of the fear using "terror".

discomfort with weight

Links the fear of gravity to the sensation of weight.

concern about plummeting

Focuses on a rapid fall, a direct result of gravity.

FAQs

Is "fear of gravity" a real phobia?

Yes, the clinical term for the fear of gravity is barophobia. However, "fear of gravity" can also be used more generally to describe anxiety related to falling or the effects of gravity.

What's the difference between "fear of gravity" and acrophobia?

Acrophobia is the fear of heights, while "fear of gravity" is specifically related to the force of gravity itself. Someone with acrophobia might fear being on a tall building, while someone with a "fear of gravity" might fear the act of falling, regardless of height.

How can I use "fear of gravity" in a sentence?

You might say, "His "fear of gravity" prevented him from enjoying roller coasters" or "The astronaut described a profound sense of weightlessness, a temporary escape from the "fear of gravity"".

What are some alternative ways to express "fear of gravity"?

Depending on the context, you could use terms like "barophobia", "anxiety about falling", or "aversion to gravity".