fear
adjective
1. (dialectal) Able; capable; stout; strong; sound.
- hale and fear
noun
1. an emotion experienced in anticipation of some specific pain or danger (usually accompanied by a desire to flee or fight)
Similar word(s): fearfulness, fright
Definition categories: feeling, emotion
2. an anxious feeling
- they hushed it up out of fear of public reaction
Similar word(s): care, concern
Definition categories: feeling, anxiety
3. a feeling of profound respect for someone or something
- the fear of God
Similar word(s): awe, reverence, veneration
Definition categories: feeling, emotion
Sentences with fear as a noun:
- He was struck by fear on seeing the snake.
- Not everybody has the same fears. I have a fear of ants.
verb
1. be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event
- I fear she might get aggressive
Definition categories: emotion, worry
2. be afraid or scared of; be frightened of
- I fear the winters in Moscow
- We should not fear the Communists!
Similar word(s): dread
Definition categories: emotion
3. be sorry; used to introduce an unpleasant statement
- I fear I won't make it to your wedding party
Definition categories: emotion, regret
4. be uneasy or apprehensive about
- I fear the results of the final exams
Definition categories: emotion
5. regard with feelings of respect and reverence; consider hallowed or exalted or be in awe of
- Fear God as your father
Similar word(s): revere, reverence, venerate
Definition categories: emotion, esteem, prise, prize, respect, value
Sentences with fear as a verb:
- I fear the worst will happen. I fear for their safety.
- People who fear God can be found in Christian churches.
- I fear [regret that] I have bad news for you: your husband has died.