conjunction
lest
LEST/lest/
For fear that something unwanted might happen.
The father closes the safety gate lest the toddler reach the stairs.
Etymology
The pieces meaning “less” and “that” survive from a phrase literally meaning “the less that.” It expressed “that not,” introducing an outcome someone intended to prevent or feared might happen.
In context
They were both afraid to say anything more to her lest she might make a scene before Roaring Abel, who would spread it all over the country
More examples
- She whispered lest she wake him.
- He checked twice lest an error remain.
- They left early lest traffic delay them.
Forms
lest
Similar words
- unless
- Introduces an exception rather than a feared outcome.
- in case
- Can introduce a precaution, with different grammar.