When you hear "phobia," you might think of someone afraid of snakes or heights. But there are many other types of phobias, including philophobia. People with philophobia have a fear of love. This fear is so intense that they find it difficult, sometimes impossible, to form and maintain loving relationships. "Philos" is the Greek word for loving or beloved. "Phobos" (phobia) is the Greek word for fear. Philophobia can be caused by a previous bad experience with love, such as a painful breakup or the death of a loved one. It can also be caused by a general distrust of love and intimacy.