fear
fear / fi(ə)r/ • n. an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat: fear of increasing unemployment he is prey to irrational fears. ∎ archaic a mixed feeling of dread and reverence: the love and fear of God. ∎ (fear for) a feeling of anxiety concerning the outcome of something or the safety and well-being of someone: police launched a search for the family amid fears for their safety. ∎ the likelihood of something unwelcome happening: she could observe the other guests without fear of attracting attention.• v. [tr.] be afraid of (someone or something) as likely to be dangerous, painful, or threatening: farmers fear that they will lose business. ∎ [intr.] (fear for) feel anxiety or apprehension on behalf of: I fear for the city with this madman let loose in it. ∎ avoid or put off doing something because one is afraid: they aim to make war so horrific that potential aggressors will fear to resort to it. ∎ used to express regret or apology: I'll buy her book, though not, I fear, the hardback version.PHRASES: for fear of (or that) to avoid the risk of (or that): no one dared refuse the order for fear of losing their job.