noun / verb
fear
FEER/fɪr/
A feeling of alarm or worry about possible danger or harm.
The woman recoils in fear when she sees the snake on the path.
Etymology
Old English fær named the danger itself—a calamity, peril, or sudden attack. The meaning shifted from the threatening event to the uneasy emotional state caused by possible danger.
In context
This response starts with the amygdala, the brain region involved in processing fear. When the amygdala perceives danger, it stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, which triggers the release of adrenaline.
More examples
- He fears that the storm will damage the roof.
- She overcame her fear of deep water.
- Their fears eased when everyone returned safely.
Forms
fear · fears · feared · fearing
fearful adjective — Feeling afraid or worried
fearless adjective — Not showing fear in facing danger
Similar words
- dread
- Usually a stronger anticipation of something unpleasant.
- apprehension
- Uneasy anticipation rather than immediate fright.