n. an excessive, persistent, and irrational fear of clowns. Situations in which clowns may be encountered (e.g., at birthday parties, circuses) are often avoided or else endured with intense anxiety or distress.
any one of a limited set of emotions that typically are manifested and recognized universally across cultures. The list of primary emotions varies across different theorists. They often include fear, anger, joy, sadness, disgust, contempt, and surprise; some theorists also include shame, shyness, and guilt. Also called basic emotion; core emotion. Compare secondary emotion.