dread

dread · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    (verb) To anticipate with great fear or anxiety.

  2. 2.

    (noun) Great fear or apprehension about something.

  3. 3.

    (adjective, archaic) Greatly feared; inspiring awe.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    dread to think — to be very worried about what might happen
  • •
    live in dread — to constantly fear something
  • •
    fill with dread — to cause great fear

Related words

Antonyms: look forward to, welcome
See also: anxiety, dreadful, fear
Synonyms: anticipate with fear, fear, worry about

Etymology

From Old English ondraedan ("to fear, advise against"), from on- + raedan ("to advise"). Related to Old High German intratan ("to fear").