Main Entry:

afraid

Pronunciation:

\ə-ˈfrād, Southern also ə-ˈfred\

Function:

adjective

Etymology:

Middle English affraied, from past participle of affraien to frighten — more at affray

Date:

14th century

1 : filled with fear or apprehension <afraid of machines> <afraid for his job> 2 : filled with concern or regret over an unwanted situation <I'm afraid I won't be able to go> 3 : having a dislike for something <afraid of hard work>

synonyms see fearful