What is the term for fear of new things?

• A. Neophobia
• B. Phobia
• C. Anxiety
• D. Curiosity

Answer: (A)

Neophobia is the tendency to fear or avoid new things. It captures a specific response to novelty, whether it’s unfamiliar foods, environments, or objects. In both humans and animals, this can show up as hesitation or withdrawal when confronted with something new, which is why it’s the term that precisely describes fear of novelty. Phobia describes an intense fear of a specific thing, which isn’t necessarily tied to newness. Anxiety is a broader state of unease that can arise for many reasons, not limited to novelty. Curiosity is the opposite, driving exploration of new stimuli rather than avoidance. Understanding neophobia helps explain why some pests or people reject new baits, traps, or experiences at first, and why gradual exposure can reduce that reluctance.