Cymophobia

Cymophobia or kymophobia (from kymo, Greek for "wave") is the fear of waves or wave-like motions. The fear is often triggered because waves can be deadly. Certain tidal waves, such as tsunamis, can causes extreme loss of life, and injuries to property and belongings. News reports of tidal waves, tsunamis, and even flooding from hurricanes can exacerbate feelings of tension in people afflicted with cymophobia.

Cymophobes will avoid any mass media stories on waves, and they will avoid the “wave pools” at popular water parks. Activities like surfing, and all sports performed in open water, will be shunned, because they are perceived as risky. Fears of being drowned or suffocated by huge waves will be present whenever a person is near the seaside. Sometimes, the person with this phobia will choose to live away from large bodies of water where waves are always present. They may prefer the “concrete jungle” of large cities, where bodies of water are not commonplace.

Treating cymophobia may require, , , or.