Chrematophobia
/ˌkrɛm.ə.təˈfoʊ.bi.ə/noun
An intense or irrational fear of money, wealth, or handling financial matters.
Did you know?The first half comes from Ancient Greek chrēmata, literally “things needed,” showing that money was originally understood as a practical necessity rather than merely wealth.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
χρῆμα (chrêma)
“A thing, possession, or matter; something needed or useful”
Ancient Greek
Greek
χρήματα (chrēmata)
“Things, possessions, or money; the plural became especially associated with wealth”
Ancient Greek
Greek
χράομαι (chráomai)
“To use, employ, or make use of; the verb underlying chrêma”
19th–20th Century
Greek/English
chrematophobia
“A modern learned compound combining chrēmata, money, with -phobia, fear”
Modern English
English
chrematophobia
“Fear or aversion to money, wealth, or financial dealings”
Explore more surprising origins