dread Definition
- 1to feel extremely worried or frightened about something that is going to happen or may happen
- 2to 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.
