Rupophobia is the fear of dirt or contamination, and there are several synonyms for this phobia. These include mysophobia, germaphobia, bacillophobia, and molysmophobia. While these terms are often used interchangeably, each has a slightly different connotation. For instance, germaphobia typically refers to a fear of germs and bacteria, while mysophobia is a broader term that refers to a fear of contamination in general. Bacillophobia is a fear specifically of bacteria, while molysmophobia is a fear of pollution or contact with anything unclean. Regardless of the specific term used, those who suffer from rupophobia or a related anxiety disorder may experience extreme distress and anxiety in environments that they perceive to be contaminated.