Meaning & use
lest
Last updated
Used to introduce a reason for caution or avoidance, meaning 'in order that... not' or 'for fear that.'
See it in a sentence
She double-checked the locks lest a burglar break in overnight.
We must remember the past, lest we repeat its mistakes.
A note on using this word
A somewhat formal or literary word today; in everyday speech people usually say 'in case' or 'so that... doesn't' instead.
Words with a similar meaning
in casefor fear that
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “lest”, then compare your use with the examples above.
Your draft stays on this page and is not sent anywhere.