An irrational
fear of answering the phone. The fear arises from anxieties as to whom
may be calling (a former spouse, a spurned lover, a tax collector or other creditor, an enraged garage mechanic, a parent) - why they
may be calling (to give the callee a very hard
time, belittle them, issue threats) - and the psychology of the conversation (false promises leading to humiliation, being made to look a pratt). In extreme cases someone who is phonephobic
may hide in the house as the phone rings, desperately trying to ignore it, while plagued by remote telephonic demons.
She was so phonephobic that
none of her family, loved ones or friends could ring her in
the house. Often a worried caller would rush around to her house to see if she was OK, only to find her
hiding in the hall cupboard.