Fear
/fɪər/
Definitions
2 meaningsAn emotional response to a perceived threat or danger.
/fɪər/
An unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain or a threat.
He was filled with fear as he walked through the dark forest.
💡 Simply: Fear is that yucky feeling you get when you think something bad might happen, like seeing a scary monster in a movie or thinking you might fail a test. It makes your heart beat fast!
👶 For kids: Fear is when you're scared. Like when you see a big dog or the dark.
More Examples
Her fear of public speaking prevented her from giving presentations.
The soldiers fought their fear and bravely advanced.
How It's Used
"The study examined the psychological effects of fear on decision-making."
"The novel explored the fear of the unknown."
"She experienced a wave of fear as the car skidded on the ice."
To feel fear about something; to be afraid of.
/fɪər/
To be afraid of (someone or something); expect with alarm or apprehension.
I fear spiders.
💡 Simply: To fear is like being worried that something bad is going to happen. It's the feeling you get when you're afraid of the dark or of failing a test. You're expecting something scary.
👶 For kids: To fear is to be scared of something.
More Examples
They feared the consequences of their actions.
Many people fear the unknown.
How It's Used
"Many people fear flying."
"The witness feared retribution."
"The company feared a decline in profits."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
no fear
Without any fear; not afraid.
"They entered the haunted house with no fear."
for fear of
Because one is afraid of something.
"She didn't speak up for fear of causing a fight."
From Old English *fǣr*, meaning "sudden calamity, danger, terror," from Proto-Germanic *fērō* (compare Old Norse *fár* "danger, harm"). Related to the verb *fēran*, meaning "to frighten."
The word 'fear' has been used in English for centuries, reflecting the fundamental human experience of apprehension and danger. It's appeared in various literary works, from Beowulf to modern novels, consistently portraying the psychological and physiological effects of dread.
Memory tip
Think of a 'fist' that clenches in your stomach when you're afraid.
Word Origin
"danger, sudden attack, terror"