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fear

Does the sight of a snake fill you with panic and the desire to run away as quickly as possible? If so, you have a fear of snakes.

People have fear for many things: bugs, guns, heights, etc. Horror movies try to fill the audience with fear. Some fears make more sense than others. The fear of jumping out of planes makes a lot of sense, but the fear of public speaking isn't as logical: it won't kill you. Fear includes anxiety and can be very emotionally painful. If you're scared of anything, you know what fear is all about.

PRIMARY MEANINGS OF: fear

1
 nv
an emotion experienced in anticipation of some specific pain or danger (usually accompanied by a desire to flee or fight)
be afraid or scared of; be frightened of
2
 v
be sorry; used to introduce an unpleasant statement
3
 nv
a feeling of profound respect for someone or something
regard with feelings of respect and reverence; consider hallowed or exalted or be in awe of
FULL DEFINITIONS OF: fear
1

n an emotion experienced in anticipation of some specific pain or danger (usually accompanied by a desire to flee or fight)

Synonyms:
fearfulness, fright
Antonyms:
bravery, fearlessness
feeling no fear
Types:
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alarm, consternation, dismay
fear resulting from the awareness of danger
creeps
a feeling of fear and revulsion
chill, frisson, quiver, shiver, shudder, thrill, tingle
an almost pleasurable sensation of fright
horror
intense and profound fear
hysteria
excessive or uncontrollable fear
affright, panic, terror
an overwhelming feeling of fear and anxiety
panic attack, scare
a sudden attack of fear
stage fright
fear that affects a person about to face an audience
apprehension, apprehensiveness, dread
fearful expectation or anticipation
timidity, timidness, timorousness
fear of the unknown or unfamiliar or fear of making decisions
intimidation
the feeling of being intimidated; being made to feel afraid or timid
swivet
a panic or extreme discomposure
trepidation
a feeling of alarm or dread
boding, foreboding, premonition, presentiment
a feeling of evil to come
suspense
apprehension about what is going to happen
cold feet
timidity that prevents the continuation of a course of action
shyness
a feeling of fear of embarrassment
diffidence, self-distrust, self-doubt
lack of self-confidence
gloom, gloominess, somberness, sombreness
a feeling of melancholy apprehension
chill, pall
a sudden numbing dread
Type of:
emotion
any strong feeling

n an anxious feeling

“they hushed it up out of fear of public reaction”
Synonyms:
care, concern
Type of:
anxiety
a vague unpleasant emotion that is experienced in anticipation of some (usually ill-defined) misfortune

v be afraid or scared of; be frightened of

“I fear the winters in Moscow”
“We should not fear the Communists!”
Synonyms:
dread
Types:
panic
be overcome by a sudden fear
freak, freak out, gross out
lose one's nerve

v be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event

“I fear she might get aggressive”
Type of:
worry
be worried, concerned, anxious, troubled, or uneasy

v be uneasy or apprehensive about

“I fear the results of the final exams”
2

v be sorry; used to introduce an unpleasant statement

“I fear I won't make it to your wedding party”
Type of:
regret
express with regret
3

n a feeling of profound respect for someone or something

“the fear of God”
Synonyms:
awe, reverence, veneration
Type of:
emotion
any strong feeling

v regard with feelings of respect and reverence; consider hallowed or exalted or be in awe of

“Fear God as your father”
Synonyms:
revere, reverence, venerate
Types:
enshrine, saint
hold sacred
worship
show devotion to (a deity)
Type of:
esteem, prise, prize, respect, value
regard highly; think much of
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