ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Thanatophobia

Okay, so you know how sometimes we get scared or worried about things like monsters or loud noises? Well, some grown-ups can also feel scared or worried about something called thanatophobia.

Thanatophobia is a really big word that means being really, really scared of death, or the idea that someday we all have to die.

Now, it's perfectly okay to feel worried or sad or even scared about this kind of thing sometimes, because it's normal to want to stay alive and be with the people we love. But for some grown-ups, the fear of death can become so strong that it starts to make them feel really anxious and upset all the time.

So, if you ever hear someone talking about thanatophobia, try to remember that it's just a way of saying they're scared of death. And if you ever feel scared or worried about something like that, it's okay to talk to someone you trust about it, so they can help you feel better.