You'll understand what hylophobia means after seeing these freaky forests

If you have not heard of the term hylophobia, you are about to learn its meaning the hard way.

According to the Macmillan Dictionary, hylophobia is a 'psychological disorder defined by an irrational fear of wood, forest or trees'.

Acid Cow has compiled a series of freaky photos showing just why some people fear the shrubs, plants and vegetation in the great outdoors.

Have a look at them in the gallery above.

• scary
• creepy
• forest
• phobia