lest
conjunctionTo save this word, you'll need to log in.
\ ˈlest 
\
\Definition of lest
: for fear that
—often used after an expression denoting fear or apprehensionworried lest she should be latehesitant to speak out lest he be fired
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for lest
lest
conjunctionEnglish Language Learners Definition of lest
formal + literary
: for fear that
—used when you are saying something in order to prevent something from happening
See the full definition for lest in the English Language Learners Dictionary
lest
conjunction\ ˈlest \
\Kids Definition of lest
: for fear that
“I have to be sharp and clever, lest I go hungry.”— E. B. White, Charlotte's Web
Keep scrolling for more
Comments on lest
What made you want to look up lest? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Great Scrabble Words—A Quiz
- Which of the following Q-without-U words means the number five in cards or dice?
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
Share lest
Time Traveler for lest
The first known use of lest was before the 12th century
See more words from the same century