fear
fear Lexical Profile
fear Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An unpleasant, often strong emotion caused by anticipation or awareness of danger, pain, or harm.
"The sudden noise in the dark hallway filled the children with fear."
A specific concern, worry, or anxious thought regarding a potential undesirable event or outcome; a likelihood of something unwelcome happening.
"Economists expressed fears that rising inflation could slow down consumer spending."
Profound reverence and awe, especially toward God or a supreme power.
"In ancient theological texts, the fear of the Lord is described as the beginning of wisdom."
• verb
To be afraid of someone or something as a likely source of danger, harm, or pain.
"Many animals naturally fear fire and will flee at the first scent of smoke."
To feel anxious or apprehensive that an unwelcome event may occur or has already occurred; to suspect regretfully.
"Rescue workers fear that several hikers may still be stranded on the mountain."
To regard with profound reverence and awe (especially God or a sacred authority).
"He was raised in a traditional household taught to fear God and keep the commandments."
• Rhymes for fear
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English fǣr ('calamity, sudden danger, peril, sudden attack'), from Proto-Germanic *fēraz ('danger'). In Middle English, the meaning shifted from the objective sudden peril itself to the internal emotion of dread or alarm experienced in the face of danger.