|
| fear [ feer ] |
noun (plural fears) |
|
| Definition: |
| |
1. feeling of anxiety: an unpleasant feeling of anxiety or apprehension caused by the presence or anticipation of danger
  showed no signs of fear
|
2. frightening thought: an idea, thought, or other entity that causes feelings of fear
irrational fears
|
3. reverence: respect or awe for somebody or something
the fear of God
|
4. worry: a concern about something that threatens to bring bad news or results
(
often used in the plural
)
fears for their safe return
|
verb (past and past participle feared, present participle fear·ing, 3rd person present singular fears) |
|
| Definition: |
| |
1. transitive and intransitive verb be afraid: to be frightened of somebody or something or about taking action
She fears going to the dentist.
|
2. transitive verb feel reverence for somebody or something: to show respect for or be in awe of somebody or something
fear God
|
3. transitive verb express regretfully: to be sorry to say something
(
formal
)
I fear that you have not been successful on this occasion.
|
| [ Old English fǣr "calamity, danger," fǣran "frighten" < Indo-European, "to try"] |
