Definitions for the word "fear" from multiple English dictionaries.
1. n.
A variant of Fere, a mate, a companion.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
2. n.
A painful emotion or passion excited by the expectation of evil, or the apprehension of impending danger; apprehension; anxiety; solicitude; alarm; dread.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
3. n.
Apprehension of incurring, or solicitude to avoid, God's wrath; the trembling and awful reverence felt toward the Supreme Belng.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
4. n.
Respectful reverence for men of authority or worth.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
5. n.
That which causes, or which is the object of, apprehension or alarm; source or occasion of terror; danger; dreadfulness.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
6. n.
To feel a painful apprehension of; to be afraid of; to consider or expect with emotion of alarm or solicitude.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
7. n.
To have a reverential awe of; to solicitous to avoid the displeasure of.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
8. n.
To be anxious or solicitous for.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
9. n.
To suspect; to doubt.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
10. n.
To affright; to terrify; to drive away or prevent approach of by fear.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
11. v. i.
To be in apprehension of evil; to be afraid; to feel anxiety on account of some expected evil.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
12. n.
1 a panic or distress caused by a sense of impending danger, pain, etc. B cause of this. C state of alarm (in fear). 2 (often foll. By of) dread, awe (towards) (fear of heights). 3 danger (little fear of failure). v. 1 feel fear about or towards. 2 (foll. By for) feel anxiety about (feared for my life). 3 (often foll. By that) foresee or expect with unease, fear, or regret (fear the worst; i fear that you are wrong). 4 (foll. By verbal noun) shrink from (feared meeting his ex-wife). 5 revere (esp. God). for fear of (or that) to avoid the risk of (or that). No fear colloq. Certainly not! [old english]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
Dictionary entries nearby:
Additional Info
This page provides a list of definitions and meanings for "fear" from various historical English dictionaries. By displaying multiple definitions, you can compare and
contrast different meanings and nuances of a word, phrase, or slang. You can also see the changes in meaning of "fear" over time by viewing the definitions from different dictionaries published at different times in history.
The page also includes other information to help users expand their vocabulary and understand the context of the word.
Important Notes
The definitions for words, phrases and slang (such as "fear") in this dictionary are sourced from multiple sources - including sources historical in nature. The sources may contain outdated, inaccurate or even offensive information when viewed from a modern context. It is important to consider the date the dictionary was published and view such content from a historical perspective and consider that the meanings, interpretations and usage of words may have evolved over time. Users should cross-reference this information with contemporary sources for a more complete understanding.
This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by any brands mentioned on the page. Trademarks and logos are the property of their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only.