glossophobia

noun

glos·so·pho·bia ˌglä-sō-ˈfō-bē-ə

ˌglȯ-

: fear of public speaking

In anticipation of speaking in public, a person with glossophobia can experience a dry mouth, weak voice and uncontrollable body shaking.

Robert Malone

glossophobe

ˈglä-sō-ˌfōb

ˈglȯ-

noun

or glossophobic

ˌglä-sō-ˈfō-bik

ˌglȯ-

plural glossophobes or glossophobics

If your audience feels as if you're insincere or unknowledgeable, they may give you real reason to be a glossophobe!

Robert Seip

glossophobic adjective

… as a meeting planner, you're often charged with making your glossophobic speakers look good.

Josh Golden

Word History

Etymology

glosso- + -phobia

First Known Use

1964, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of glossophobia was in 1964

See more words from the same year

Dictionary Entries Near glossophobia

glossopharyngeal nerve

glossophobia

See More Nearby Entries

Cite this Entry

Style

“Glossophobia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/glossophobia. Accessed 7 Dec. 2022.

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