fear definition

1. an emotion experienced in anticipation of some specific pain or danger (usually accompanied by a desire to flee or fight)
2. a feeling of profound respect for someone or something
• examples: the fear of God
• examples: the Chinese reverence for the dead
• examples: the French treat food with gentle reverence
• examples: his respect for the law bordered on veneration
3. be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event
• examples: I fear she might get aggressive
4. be afraid or scared of; be frightened of
• examples: I fear the winters in Moscow
• examples: We should not fear the Communists!
5. be sorry; used to introduce an unpleasant statement
• examples: I fear I won't make it to your wedding party
6. be uneasy or apprehensive about
• examples: I fear the results of the final exams