fear

[fiər]

fear Definition

• 1. an unpleasant emotion caused by the threat of danger, pain, or harm
• 2. a feeling of anxiety concerning the outcome of something or the safety of someone

Using fear: Examples

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

• Example

  She has a fear of heights.

• Example

  The sound of thunder filled him with fear.

• Example

  I have a fear that I will fail my exam.

• Example

  He showed no fear in the face of danger.

fear Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for fear

• dread
• terror
• apprehension
• anxiety
• worry

Antonyms for fear

• courage
• bravery
• fearlessness

Idioms Using fear

• put the fear of God into someone

  to frighten someone severely, often as a means of discipline or punishment

  Example

  When he caught his son stealing, he put the fear of God into him with a stern lecture.

• in fear and trembling

  with great fear or trepidation

  Example

  She approached the stage in fear and trembling, afraid she would forget her lines.

• live in fear

  to be constantly afraid or anxious about something

  Example

  People who live in high-crime areas often live in fear for their safety.

Phrases with fear

• fear for

  to be worried about the safety or well-being of someone or something

  Example

  I fear for the safety of my children when they are out alone at night.

• no fear

  used to reassure someone that there is no danger or need to worry

  Example

  A: Can we cross the road here? B: Yes, no fear. There's no traffic coming.

• fear the worst

  to think that the worst possible thing has happened or will happen

  Example

  When he didn't come home last night, I feared the worst and called the police.

Origins of fear

from Old English 'fǣr', meaning 'calamity, sudden danger'

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Summary: fear in Brief

The term 'fear' [fiər] refers to an unpleasant emotion caused by the threat of danger, pain, or harm, or a feeling of anxiety concerning the outcome of something or the safety of someone. It can be used to describe phobias or general anxieties, as in 'She has a fear of heights,' or to indicate bravery or lack of fear, as in 'He showed no fear in the face of danger.' 'Fear' extends into phrases like 'fear for,' and idioms like 'put the fear of God into someone,' denoting severe fright, and 'live in fear,' implying constant anxiety.