Meaning & use

fear

noun·Everyday

An unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous.

See it in a sentence

A sudden fear gripped her when the lights went out during the storm.

His fear of heights kept him from joining the rock-climbing trip.

A note on using this word

Fear usually takes the preposition of, as in fear of flying, when naming its specific object or cause.

Words with a similar meaning

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

Another way to use it

2. verb

To feel afraid of someone or something, or to be anxious about a possibility.

Residents feared the bridge might collapse after the earthquake weakened its supports.

Make it your own

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