Definition of lest
: for fear that —often used after an expression denoting fear or apprehension worried lest she should be late hesitant to speak out lest he be fired
Indulge Your Inner Word Nerd
Origin and Etymology of lest
Middle English les the, leste, from Old English thȳ lǣs the, from thȳ (instrumental of thæt that) + lǣs + the, relative particle
First Known Use: before 12th century
LEST Defined for English Language Learners
lest
playDefinition of lest for English Language Learners
-
: for fear that
-
—used when you are saying something in order to prevent something from happening
LEST Defined for Kids
lest
playDefinition of lest for Students
: for fear that “I have to be sharp and clever, lest I go hungry.” — E. B. White, Charlotte's Web
Learn More about lest
-
See words that rhyme with lest Spanish Central: Translation of lest Nglish: Translation of lest for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of lest for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up lest? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!