Skip to main content
fear

fear

1.0
An unpleasant feeling of being afraid because something seems dangerous
  • noun
  • /fɪr/
translation icon : miedo
  • What's your biggest fear?
  • fear of falling
  • anxiety and fear
  • fear of failure

Again, it's that it's not the fear or the shame.

Autoplay Next

Examples

  • I talked about some of my fears and hopes in doing all of this.

    Academic text (2013)
  • At first, I was filled with fear about the thought of leaving my family and friends.

    Academic text (2017)
  • What is your greatest fear for your child?

  • So I try not to let fear get into my mind.

  • So let's talk about the fear of being alone.

  • It's perfectly normal to feel this fear and keep going through it.

  • Oh, no, my worst fears have been realized.

  • That's one of my worst fears, you know.

  • No more fear.

  • Many people experience a deep fear of public speaking that can lead to anxiety.

Synonyms

horror
vsfear
441 2.1

A very strong feeling of fear, shock, or disgust

is focused on danger or threat rather than disgust or shock
anxiety
vsfear
423 3.5

A worried, nervous feeling that makes you unable to relax

is an immediate unpleasant emotion triggered by a specific threat
panic
vsfear
394 2.7

A sudden strong feeling of fear that makes you lose control

is a calmer unpleasant emotion without sudden loss of control
terror
vsfear
282 4.9

A very strong feeling of fear and worry

is less extreme and not necessarily overwhelming in intensity
fright
vsfear
88 1.5

A sudden strong feeling of fear when you expect danger

is a more general unpleasant emotion not only a sudden startle
apprehension
vsfear
32 4.4

A feeling of fear or worry that something bad may happen

is a broader unpleasant emotion about danger or threat
trepidation
vsfear
23 8.1

A feeling of fear or worry about something that may happen

is a general unpleasant emotion about danger rather than event worry

Antonyms

1.4

Doing something even if you feel afraid or are in danger

9 2.7

A state without strong feelings or worry in your mind

8 4.1

Not being afraid in danger or trouble

Idioms

41 4.2

To avoid doing something because you are afraid it will happen

A strong feeling of being afraid and respectful of someone who could punish you

Make people very afraid and make them respect you by showing power

1 7.0

To look at your fear and act without avoiding it

Compounds

A strong feeling of worry that lasts a long time and is hard to change

1 4.2

A piece of land in southeast North Carolina that reaches into the Atlantic Ocean

A river in southeast North Carolina that flows into the Atlantic Ocean at Cape Fear

A very strong fear that feels like it shakes your body

A strong hidden worry that affects how someone thinks or acts

A strong feeling of being scared at night when you are alone or in the dark

How Afraid

terror
282 4.9
panic
394 2.7
fear
1.0
apprehension
32 4.4
worry
290 1.0
unease
19 4.4

Surface Forms

fear singular
fears plural

Etymology

Fear comes from an old English word fær meaning 'danger' or 'sudden attack'. So fear is the unpleasant feeling you have when you think something is dangerous.