Skip to definition.
Get the FREE one-click dictionary software for Windows or the iPhone/iPad and Android apps


Noun: fear  feer
  1. An emotion experienced in anticipation of some specific pain or danger (usually accompanied by a desire to flee or fight)
    - fearfulness, fright
     
  2. An anxious feeling
    "they hushed it up out of fear of public reaction";
    - concern, care
     
  3. A feeling of profound respect for someone or something
    "the fear of God";
    - reverence, awe, veneration
Verb: fear  feer
  1. Be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event
    "I fear she might get aggressive"
     
  2. Be afraid or scared of; be frightened of
    "We should not fear the Communists!"; "I fear the winters in Moscow";
    - dread
     
  3. Be sorry; used to introduce an unpleasant statement
    "I fear I won't make it to your wedding party"
     
  4. Be uneasy or apprehensive about
    "I fear the results of the final exams"
     
  5. Regard with feelings of respect and reverence; consider hallowed, exalted or be in awe of
    "Fear God as your father";
    - reverence, revere, venerate

Derived forms: fears, fearing, feared

See also: afraid, fearless, 'fraid [non-standard], unafraid

Type of: anxiety, emotion, esteem, prize, regret, respect, sweat [N. Amer, informal], value, worry

Antonym: fearlessness

Encyclopedia: Fear, and Loathing in Las Vegas discography