Counterphobic

/ˌkaʊntərˈfoʊbɪk/ adjective

Definition

Acting in a way that opposes or overcomes one's own fear; deliberately doing the thing you're afraid of.

Etymology

From counter- (against) + phobic (from Greek phobos, 'fear'). Psychological term combining counter- with phobic to describe fear-opposing behavior.

Kelly Says

Counterphobic behavior is actually a recognized psychology technique—some people overcome fears by charging directly at them, like someone terrified of heights becoming a rock climber, which sometimes works beautifully and sometimes backfires.

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