Definition: Aerophilia is a Greek term meaning "fear of flying," originally from ancient Greek, which translates to "unprovoked flight." The concept of fear of flying dates back to ancient times when humans have been fascinated by the idea of space exploration and the thrill of soaring above the clouds. The word was introduced into English through translations in Middle English. In medieval literature and religious texts, it often referred to a lack of courage or a feeling of dread or unease when one stood on solid ground that was not under their feet. This fear of flying was associated with an early form of "aerophobia," where individuals experienced fear, anxiety or even psychosis (delusions) due to exposure to the idea of being suspended from a boat or other large objects. In 19th-century literature, the word became more widely used by writers like Henry Fielding, who explored how a lack of confidence in one's own abilities could lead to irrational fears and even hallucinations. The concept was often linked to a lack of self-control, as well as an obsession with external validation or acceptance. Over time, "aerophobia" has become a term used to describe any form of aversion to being airborne or flying, which can manifest as fear or unease, sometimes leading to symptoms like tremors, sweating, and increased heart rate. This fear is often associated with social isolation, the fear of rejection or even death, especially in children and young adults. In summary, aerophilia was a term used by medieval Europeans who were fascinated by the idea of space exploration and flying, but it later became more widely understood as a concept related to aversion to being airborne or flying.

aerophilia