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afeard

adjective
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\ ə-ˈfird How to pronounce afeard (audio) \
variants: or afeared

Definition of afeard

chiefly dialectal
: afraid

First Known Use of afeard

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for afeard

Middle English afered, going back to Old English āfǣred, past participle of āfǣran "to frighten," from ā-, perfective prefix + fǣran "to frighten" — more at abide, fear entry 2

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The first known use of afeard was before the 12th century

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Cite this Entry

“Afeard.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/afeard. Accessed 13 Apr. 2021.

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