fear Definition
- 1an unpleasant emotion caused by the threat of danger, pain, or harm
- 2a 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
- apprehension
- anxiety
- terror
- worry
Antonyms for fear
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'
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.
