fear
FEER
Fear (noun) means a strong, unpleasant feeling caused by the sense of danger or threat. Example: “The fear of failing the exam kept him awake all night.”
noun
1
A strong, unpleasant feeling caused by the sense of danger or threat.
"The fear of failing the exam kept him awake all night."
"She felt a sudden fear when the lights went out."
"His fear of flying keeps him from visiting his family abroad."
verb
1
To be afraid of something or someone.
"Some people fear spiders more than almost anything else."
"Many children fear the dark."
"He feared losing his job during the layoffs."
2
To worry or be concerned about something.
"I fear we may arrive late if the traffic gets worse."
"Farmers fear that a dry summer will damage this year's harvest."
"Doctors fear the outbreak could spread further."
How to use fear
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe feeling of being afraid, or to be afraid of something.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
fear of failure
live in fear
no fear
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Word forms
- Plural
- fears
- Third person singular
- fears
- Past tense
- feared
- Comparative
- more fear
- Superlative
- most fear
Fill the gap
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The _____ of failing the exam kept him awake all night.
Etymology
From Old English fær, meaning "sudden danger or calamity," related to Dutch gevaar and German Gefahr ("danger").
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for fear
See all rhymes for fear →Frequently asked questions
What does “fear” mean?
The word “fear” means a strong, unpleasant feeling caused by the sense of danger or threat. In plain terms, the feeling of being afraid, or to be afraid of something.
How do you pronounce “fear”?
“Fear” is pronounced FEER (/ˈfɪɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “fear” in a sentence?
Here is “fear” used in a sentence: “She felt a sudden fear when the lights went out.”
What is another word for “fear”?
Words with a similar meaning to “fear” include afraidness.
What is the opposite of “fear”?
The opposite of “fear” — its antonyms — are courage, belittle and contemn.
What part of speech is “fear”?
Depending on how it is used, “fear” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “fear” come from?
The word “fear” comes from Old English. From Old English fær, meaning "sudden danger or calamity," related to Dutch gevaar and German Gefahr ("danger").
Is “fear” a common word?
“Fear” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between fear and anxiety?
Fear is a response to a real, present danger — something identifiable in front of you. Anxiety is more diffuse: worry about a threat that is uncertain, imagined, or still in the future. Fear tends to fade once the danger passes, while anxiety can linger without a clear cause.
What is the difference between fear and a phobia?
Fear is a normal, proportionate reaction to genuine danger. A phobia is an intense, persistent fear that is out of proportion to the actual threat, often of a specific object or situation. Phobias can disrupt daily life and are recognised as a type of anxiety disorder.
Can fear be a good thing?
Yes. Although it feels unpleasant, fear is a survival mechanism that alerts you to danger and prepares the body to react — the familiar 'fight or flight' response. In safe amounts it sharpens focus and keeps you cautious. It only becomes harmful when it is excessive or constant.
What is the opposite of fear?
The most common opposite is courage or bravery — not the absence of fear, but the ability to act despite it. Words like confidence, calm, and security also stand against fear, describing the settled state of mind you feel when no threat or danger is present.
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