noun
fear
FEER
noun
1
A strong, unpleasant feeling caused by the sense of danger or threat.
"She felt a sudden fear when the lights went out."
"His fear of flying keeps him from visiting his family abroad."
verb
1
To be afraid of something or someone.
"Many children fear the dark."
"He feared losing his job during the layoffs."
2
To worry or be concerned about something.
"Doctors fear the outbreak could spread further."
How to Use Fear
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe feeling of being afraid, or to be afraid of something.
Common pairings
fear of failure
live in fear
no fear
Word Forms
more fear comparative, feared past tense, fears plural, Fears plural, fears singular, most fear superlative
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Etymology
From Old English fær, meaning "sudden danger or calamity," related to Dutch gevaar and German Gefahr ("danger").