Main Entry: fear·ful

Pronunciation: \ˈfir-fəl\

Function: adjective

Date: 14th century

1 : causing or likely to cause fear, fright, or alarm especially because of dangerous quality <a fearful storm>
2 a : full of fear <fearful for his safety> b : indicating or arising from fear <a fearful glance> c : inclined to fear : timorous
3 : very great or bad —used as an intensive <a fearful waste> <fearful slum conditions>

— fear·ful·ly \-f(ə-)lē\ adverb

— fear·ful·ness \-fəl-nəs\ noun

synonyms fearful, apprehensive, afraid mean disturbed by fear. fearful implies often a timorous or worrying temperament <the child is fearful of loud noises>. apprehensive suggests a state of mind and implies a premonition of evil or danger <apprehensive of being found out>. afraid often suggests weakness or cowardice and regularly implies inhibition of action or utterance <afraid to speak the truth>.