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adj Common

feared

feerd

Feared (adj) means regarded with fear or dread by others. Example: “He was the most feared boxer of his generation.”

adj
1
Regarded with fear or dread by others.
"He was the most feared boxer of his generation."
verb
1
Past tense of fear: was afraid of something, or worried that something might happen.
"She feared the worst when he didn't answer his phone."

How to Use Feared

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEither "was afraid of" (past tense of fear) or "widely dreaded" (as an adjective).

Common pairings
a feared opponent it was feared that

Word Forms

more feared comparative, most feared superlative

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He was the most _____ boxer of his generation.

Related Words

Rhymes for feared

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does “feared” mean?

The word “feared” means regarded with fear or dread by others. In plain terms, either "was afraid of" (past tense of fear) or "widely dreaded" (as an adjective).

How do you pronounce “feared”?

“Feared” is pronounced feerd (/fɪɹd/ in IPA).

How do you use “feared” in a sentence?

Here is “feared” used in a sentence: “He was the most feared boxer of his generation.”

What part of speech is “feared”?

Depending on how it is used, “feared” can be an adjective and a verb.

Is “feared” a common word?

“Feared” is a fairly common word in modern English.

How many meanings does “feared” have?

“Feared” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: regarded with fear or dread by others.

What is the difference between 'feared' and 'frightened'?

'Feared' as an adjective means regarded with fear or dread by others, as in 'a feared opponent'. 'Frightened' means feeling fear oneself. A feared person causes fear, while a frightened person experiences it.

What is the difference between 'feared' and 'afraid'?

'Feared' is the past tense of the verb 'fear' and can also mean dreaded by others. 'Afraid' is an adjective describing how someone feels and is not a verb. You can say 'I feared the worst' but not 'I afraid the worst'.

What is the difference between 'feared' and 'revered'?

'Feared' means regarded with fear or dread, while 'revered' means regarded with deep respect and admiration. Both describe how others view someone, but the feelings are very different. A leader can be feared, revered, or both at once.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial