fear

fearverb

To fear something is to feel that it could hurt you or that something bad could happen.

1. be afraidbe afraid of someone or something

   transitive [T] verb + object [V + obj] verb + -ing form [V + -ing]

   • Many people fear flying. V + -ing
   • As a child, she feared the dark. V + obj
   • There's nothing to fear.

   Collocations

   verb + noun fear death, fear change, fear the unknown

   Compare afraid

2. worryfeel worried that something bad has happened or will happen

   I fear at the start of a sentence is a formal, polite way to give bad news: I fear I cannot help you.

   transitive [T] verb + that-clause [V + that] verb + object [V + obj] usually passive [usually passive]

   • Doctors fear that the illness may spread. V + that
   • I fear we may be too late. V + that
   • When she did not call, we feared the worst. V + obj
   • Three people are feared dead. usually passive (passive)

   Collocations

   phrase fear the worst, be feared dead, I fear so

3. fear forbe worried about someone's safety or about what will happen to something

   intransitive [I] verb + preposition + object [V + prep + obj]

   • She feared for her children's safety. V + prep + obj
   • Many workers fear for their jobs. V + prep + obj

   Collocations

   verb + preposition fear for someone, fear for your life, fear for your safety

See also worry; frighten