Fear of ale that's not real, might some say? (6)

I believe the answer is:

phobia

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'fear' is the definition.
(a phobia is a fear of a particular thing)

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for phobia that I've seen before include "A lasting abnormal fear or dislike" , "A lasting abnormal fear of something" , "Overpowering fear" , "Obsessive and persistent fear of something" , "Great fear of something" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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