Fearful
/ˈfɪərfəl/
Definitions
2 meaningsFeeling or causing fear; afraid.
/ˈfɪərfəl/
Feeling or showing fear
The small child was fearful of the loud thunder.
💡 Simply: When you're scared or afraid of something.
👶 For kids: When you are scared or worried about something.
More Examples
He was fearful that he would fail the exam.
The villagers were fearful after the mysterious events.
How It's Used
"She was fearful of the dark."
"The patient exhibited a fearful response to the stimulus."
"The fearful knight prepared for battle."
Causing fear; dreadful; terrible.
/ˈfɪərfəl/
Causing fear; terrible.
The fearful tornado destroyed the town.
💡 Simply: Something that makes you feel very scared or worried, maybe like a scary movie.
👶 For kids: Something that makes people very scared.
More Examples
The prospect of war was fearful to many.
The fearful consequences of the mistake were clear.
How It's Used
"The fearful storm raged for hours."
"The consequences were fearful to contemplate."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
fear and trembling
With great fear and anxiety.
"He faced the interrogation with fear and trembling."
From Old English *fǣrful* (characterized by fear), related to *fǣr* (fear).
The word 'fearful' has been used since Old English times, initially to describe being full of fear or causing fear.
Memory tip
Imagine a face full of *fear* and *full* of worry.