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Definition of lest

lest

/lɛst/
lest
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lest Lexical Profile

lest Game Scores & Validity

• conjunction

1

With the intention of preventing something undesirable; to avoid the risk of.

Example

"She spoke in a hushed whisper lest anyone in the hallway overhear their plans."

2

Used after an expression of fear, anxiety, or apprehension to introduce the dreaded possibility.

Example

"The hikers were anxious lest the gathering storm clouds should trap them on the ridge."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for lest
Antonyms
View all antonyms for lest

Word Nuance & Usage

In formal and literary English, clauses introduced by 'lest' typically take a verb in the present subjunctive mood (the bare infinitive, e.g., 'lest he forget') or use the modal auxiliary 'should' ('lest he should forget').

• Rhymes for lest

• Nearby Words

lesser black whipsnake
lesson
lessor
lest
let
let go
let me

Word Origin & Etymology

From Middle English 'leste', a contraction of the Old English phrase 'þȳ lǣs þe', meaning 'whereby the less that'.

Cite this Entry

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