Fear meaning

What does “fear” mean? Definitions, examples, synonyms and opposites.

“fear” is a noun and verb with 8 meanings. Its most common meaning is: an emotion experienced in anticipation of some specific pain or danger (usually accompanied by a desire to flee or fight).

fear

noun

an emotion experienced in anticipation of some specific pain or danger (usually accompanied by a desire to flee or fight)
Synonymsfearfulness fright
Oppositesfearlessness
an anxious feeling
“care had aged him”
“they hushed it up out of fear of public reaction”
Synonymsconcern care
a feeling of profound respect for someone or something
“the fear of God”
“the Chinese reverence for the dead”
Synonymsreverence awe veneration

verb

be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event
“I fear she might get aggressive”
be afraid or scared of; be frightened of
“I fear the winters in Moscow”
“We should not fear the Communists!”
Synonymsdread
be sorry; used to introduce an unpleasant statement
“I fear I won't make it to your wedding party”
be uneasy or apprehensive about
“I fear the results of the final exams”
regard with feelings of respect and reverence; consider hallowed or exalted or be in awe of
“Fear God as your father”
“We venerate genius”
Synonymsreverence revere venerate

Source: WordNet 3.1, Princeton University

More about “fear”

✦Synonyms for fear✦Words that rhyme with fear✦Unscramble FEAR