Necrophobia is a specific phobia, the irrational fear of dead organisms (e.g., corpses) as well as things associated with death (e.g., coffins, tombstones, funerals, cemeteries).

[2] The sufferer may experience this sensation all the time, or when something triggers the fear, like a close encounter with a dead animal or the funeral of a loved one or friend.

Many cases of Necrophobia are caused by a traumatic incident, such as a close loved one or pet dying, or encountering a dead body.

It has also been found that phobias result from a cultural, or learned response, meaning that an adult's anxiety, paranoia, and fear can be taught to a child that is observing it.

[5] Researcher Matthew Hudson points out that "our brains are continuously anticipating and preparing us for action in response to threat, and horror movies exploit this expertly to enhance our excitement.

Some people can experience physical symptoms caused by triggers (e.g. encountering a dead body/animal, portrayal of death, etc.).