fear

¹fear

verb \ˈfir\

Definition of FEAR

transitive verb

1

archaic : frighten

2

archaic : to feel fear in (oneself)

3

: to have a reverential awe of <fear God>

4

: to be afraid of : expect with alarm <fear the worst>

intransitive verb

: to be afraid or apprehensive <feared for their lives>

— fear·er noun

Examples of FEAR

1. He was a cruel king who was feared and hated by his subjects.
2. There's no need to fear.

Origin of FEAR

Middle English feren, from Old English fǣran, from fǣr

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to FEAR

Synonyms: bother, worry, fret, fuss, stew, stress, sweat, trouble

Related Words: agonize; long, pine, yearn; chafe; despair

Near Antonyms: accept; abide, bear, endure, stick out, stomach, sustain, take, tolerate

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