fear

fear · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    An unpleasant emotion caused by the threat of danger, pain, or harm.

  2. 2.

    A feeling of anxiety about something.

  3. 3.

    Likelihood of something unwelcome happening.

  4. 4.

    To be afraid of something or someone.

  5. 5.

    To feel anxiety about something.

Forms

plural: fears

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    fear the worst — To expect something very bad.
  • •
    for fear of — Because of worry about.
  • •
    no fear — (British informal) Certainly not.
  • •
    put the fear of God into — To frighten someone severely.
  • •
    without fear or favor — Impartially.
  • •
    fear and trembling — Great fear.

Related words

Antonyms: bravery, courage, fearlessness
See also: afraid, anxiety, scared, terror
Synonyms: anxiety, dread, fright, terror

Etymology

From Old English fǣr ("calamity, danger, sudden attack"), from Proto-Germanic fērą ("danger").