diff --git a/plugins/dotenv/dotenv.plugin.zsh b/plugins/dotenv/dotenv.plugin.zsh
index 40ec5c46f..394455ae1 100644
--- a/plugins/dotenv/dotenv.plugin.zsh
+++ b/plugins/dotenv/dotenv.plugin.zsh
@@ -23,12 +23,12 @@ source_env() {
     touch "$ZSH_DOTENV_DISALLOWED_LIST"
 
     # early return if disallowed
-    if command grep -q "$dirpath" "$ZSH_DOTENV_DISALLOWED_LIST" &>/dev/null; then
+    if command grep -Fx -q "$dirpath" "$ZSH_DOTENV_DISALLOWED_LIST" &>/dev/null; then
       return
     fi
 
     # check if current directory's .env file is allowed or ask for confirmation
-    if ! command grep -q "$dirpath" "$ZSH_DOTENV_ALLOWED_LIST" &>/dev/null; then
+    if ! command grep -Fx -q "$dirpath" "$ZSH_DOTENV_ALLOWED_LIST" &>/dev/null; then
       # get cursor column and print new line before prompt if not at line beginning
       local column
       echo -ne "\e[6n" > /dev/tty