Hydrophobia historically referred to rabies, a viral infection transmitted through animal bites that affects the nervous system. One of its most striking symptoms was an intense fear of water caused by painful throat spasms. Because of its dramatic and frightening effects, the disease captured the imagination of earlier writers. Poets sometimes use hydrophobia to symbolise uncontrollable madness or instinctual terror overtaking the rational mind.

Hydrophobia was the historical name for rabies, a disease causing spasms and fear of water. In literature it often symbolises madness, uncontrollable terror, or the loss of rational control. Because rabies dramatically affects behaviour, writers sometimes used the term metaphorically for irrational rage or panic. The vivid imagery of fear and convulsion makes hydrophobia a powerful symbol in gothic or dramatic contexts.