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Definition of afraid

afraid

/əˈfreɪd/
a · fraid
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afraid Lexical Profile

afraid Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Feeling fear, dread, or apprehension about a potential danger or unpleasant event.

Example

"The young boy was afraid of the dark and asked to keep the hallway light on."

2

Anxious or worried that something undesirable might happen or be true.

Example

"She was afraid of offending her hosts if she declined the second helping of dinner."

3

Feeling polite regret or apology when stating an unpleasant fact or declining a request.

Example

"I am afraid we have no tables available for tonight without a prior reservation."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for afraid
Antonyms
View all antonyms for afraid

Word Nuance & Usage

"Afraid" is a predicate adjective, meaning it must follow a linking verb (e.g., "the child was afraid") and cannot be placed directly before a noun (use "frightened" or "scared" instead, as in "a frightened child").

• Rhymes for afraid

• Nearby Words

aforesaid
aforethought
afoul
afraid
afresh
african daisy
african elephant

Word Origin & Etymology

Originates from Middle English "afraied", originally the past participle of the verb "affray" (meaning to startle or frighten), borrowed from Anglo-French "affraier", meaning to disturb the peace.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Afraid. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/afraid
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