Which term describes a persistent fear of a specific object or situation?

The term that describes a persistent fear of a specific object or situation is phobia. Phobias are characterized by an intense, irrational fear that leads to avoidance behavior, often resulting in significant distress or impairment in functioning. Individuals with phobias recognize that their fear is excessive or unreasonable, yet they feel powerless to control the anxiety provoked by the feared object or situation.

Anxiety disorder is a broader category that includes various types of anxiety-related conditions, but it does not specifically refer to the persistent fear of a particular object or situation. Panic disorder involves recurring panic attacks and an intense fear of future attacks, but it is not limited to a specific object or situation. Generalized anxiety refers to excessive worry about various aspects of daily life, rather than focused fears about specific items or experiences.