lest

lest · conjunction

imported

Definitions

conjunction

  1. 1.

    For fear that; in order to prevent something undesirable from happening.

  2. 2.

    (archaic) That (after expressions of fear or worry).

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    lest we forget — a phrase used especially in remembrance of war dead, urging people not to forget past sacrifices

Related words

See also: in case, otherwise, unless
Synonyms: for fear that, in case, so that not

Etymology

From Old English thy laes the ("whereby less that"), a contraction that developed into the single word lest by Middle English. The construction originally meant "by which less" and evolved to express prevention or fear.