An impulsive reaction to a provoking stimulus. Not unlike blood spurting from a fresh puncture wound. This is naked emotion, sister. The unpremeditated, gut-level, internal reaction incited by something that makes us break out in a cold sweat, quiver like a tower of Jell-O, and maybe even toss our cookies. Usually based on previous experience, this type of fear causes us to dutifully avoid things like high ledges, speaking in front of crowds, and confrontation with that sassy-mouthed coworker.