fear fear /ˈfɪr/

noun

1. () An emotion experienced in anticipation of some specific pain or danger (usually accompanied by a desire to flee or fight)  ( fearfulness , fright , fear )
   an emotion experienced in anticipation of some specific pain or danger (usually accompanied by a desire to flee or fight)
     The sound of thunder filled her with fear, causing her to seek shelter.
   The sound of thunder filled her with fear, causing her to seek shelter.
   
   
2. () An anxious feeling  ( care , fear , concern )
   an anxious feeling
    Care had aged him
   care had aged him
    They hushed it up out of fear of public reaction
   they hushed it up out of fear of public reaction
   
   
3. A feeling of profound respect for someone or something  ( awe , fear , reverence , veneration )
   a feeling of profound respect for someone or something
    The fear of God
   the fear of God
    The Chinese reverence for the dead
   the Chinese reverence for the dead
    The French treat food with gentle reverence
   the French treat food with gentle reverence
    His respect for the law bordered on veneration
   his respect for the law bordered on veneration
   

verb

1. () Be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event  ( fear )
   be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event
    I fear she might get aggressive
   I fear she might get aggressive
   
2. () Be afraid or scared of; be frightened of  ( dread , fear )
   be afraid or scared of; be frightened of
    I fear the winters in Moscow
   I fear the winters in Moscow
    We should not fear the Communists!
   We should not fear the Communists!
   
3. () Be sorry; used to introduce an unpleasant statement  ( fear )
   be sorry; used to introduce an unpleasant statement
    I fear I won't make it to your wedding party
   I fear I won't make it to your wedding party
   
4. Regard with feelings of respect and reverence; consider hallowed, exalted or be in awe of  ( fear , revere , reverence , venerate )
   regard with feelings of respect and reverence; consider hallowed, exalted or be in awe of
    Fear God as your father
   Fear God as your father
    We venerate genius
   We venerate genius
   
5. Be uneasy or apprehensive about  ( fear )
   be uneasy or apprehensive about
    I fear the results of the final exams
   I fear the results of the final exams