dread

[dred]

dread Definition

• 1. to feel extremely worried or frightened about something that is going to happen or may happen
• 2. to anticipate with great apprehension or fear

Using dread: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "dread" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  I dread going to the dentist.

• Example

  She dreaded the thought of being alone.

• Example

  He's dreading the exam next week.

• Example

  I'm dreading the meeting with my boss.

dread Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for dread

• fear
• apprehend
• anticipate
• worry
• fret

Antonyms for dread

• welcome
• embrace

Idioms Using dread

• dread and butter

  the basic or essential part of something

  Example

  For many people, bread and butter is still a staple of their diet.

• dread the sight of someone/something

  to dislike or fear someone or something very much

  Example

  Ever since the accident, he dreads the sight of cars on the road.

• send shivers down someone's spine

  to cause someone to feel a sudden intense sensation of fear or excitement

  Example

  The eerie music sent shivers down her spine.

Phrases with dread

• dread the worst

  to expect or anticipate the worst possible outcome

  Example

  When she didn't answer her phone, I began to dread the worst.

• dread to think

  to be afraid to consider or imagine something

  Example

  I dread to think what would happen if we missed our flight.

• fill someone with dread

  to cause someone to feel extremely worried or frightened

  Example

  The thought of speaking in public filled her with dread.

Origins of dread

from Old English 'aegraedan', meaning 'to advise or counsel against'

📌

Summary: dread in Brief

The verb 'dread' [dred] means to feel extreme worry or fear about something that is going to happen or may happen. It can be used in phrases like 'dread the worst,' 'dread to think,' and 'fill someone with dread.' 'Dread and butter' refers to the basic or essential part of something, while 'dread the sight of someone/something' means to dislike or fear someone or something very much.