fɪə n. & v. --n. 1 a an
unpleasant emotion caused by
exposure to
danger,
expectation of
pain, etc. b a
state of
alarm (be in fear). 2 a
cause of fear (all fears removed). 3 (often foll. by of)
dread or
fearful respect (towards) (had a fear of heights). 4
anxiety for the safety of (in fear of
their lives). 5 danger;
likelihood (of
something unwelcome) (there is
little fear of failure). --v. 1 a tr.
feel fear
about or
towards (a
person or thing). b intr. feel fear. 2 intr. (foll. by for) feel anxiety or
apprehension about (feared for my life). 3 tr.
apprehend;
have uneasy expectation of (fear the worst). 4 tr. (usu. foll. by
that + clause) apprehend
with fear or
regret (I fear that
you are wrong). 5 tr. a (foll. by to + infin.)
hesitate. b (foll. by
verbal noun)
shrink from; be
apprehensive about (he feared
meeting his ex-wife). 6 tr.
show reverence towards. øfor fear of (or that) to
avoid the
risk of (or that).
never fear
there is no danger of that. no fear colloq. expressing
strong denial or
refusal.
without fear or
favour impartially. [OE f. Gmc]