Fear

Fear Fear, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Feared} (f[=e]rd); p. pr. & vb. n. {Fearing}.] [OE. feren, faeren, to frighten, to be afraid, AS. f[=ae]ran to terrify. See {Fear}, n.] 1. To feel a painful apprehension of; to be afraid of; to consider or expect with emotion of alarm or solicitude. [1913 Webster]

I will fear no evil, for thou art with me. --Ps. xxiii. 4. [1913 Webster]

Note: With subordinate clause.

I greatly fear my money is not safe. --Shak.

I almost fear to quit your hand. --D. Jerrold. [1913 Webster]

2. To have a reverential awe of; to be solicitous to avoid the displeasure of. [1913 Webster]

Leave them to God above; him serve and fear. --Milton. [1913 Webster]

3. To be anxious or solicitous for; now replaced by {fear for}. [R.] [1913 Webster]

The sins of the father are to be laid upon the children, therefore . . . I fear you. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

4. To suspect; to doubt. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]

Ay what else, fear you not her courage? --Shak. [1913 Webster]

5. To affright; to terrify; to drive away or prevent approach of by fear. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]

Fear their people from doing evil. --Robynson (More's Utopia). [1913 Webster]

Tush, tush! fear boys with bugs. --Shak.

Syn: To apprehend; dread; reverence; venerate. [1913 Webster]