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lest

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conjunction \ ˈlest \

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

See lest defined for English-language learners

See lest defined for kids

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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

Phrases Related to LEST

Related Phrases

LEST Defined for English Language Learners

lest

play
conjunction

Definition 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

play
conjunction \ ˈlest \

Definition 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

  1. 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

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