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| Date: | 1300-1400 |
| Origin: | Past participle of affray 'to frighten' (14-19 centuries), from Old French affreer; AFFRAY |
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a‧fraid S1 W2
[not before noun]
[not before noun]1 frightened because you think that you may get hurt or that something bad may happen [= scared]: There's no need to be afraid.
There's no need to be afraid. afraid of (doing) something kids who are afraid of the dark He was afraid of being caught by the police.
➔ see usage note fear1kids who are afraid of the darkHe was afraid of being caught by the police.2 worried about what might happen, or that something bad will happen
afraid of (doing) something I didn't tell her because I was afraid of upsetting her. The government was afraid of a public outcry.
I didn't tell her because I was afraid of upsetting her.The government was afraid of a public outcry. afraid to do something Don't be afraid to ask for help.
Don't be afraid to ask for help.3 worried that something bad may happen to a particular person or thing : Her father looked ill and she was suddenly afraid for him. Many of us were afraid for our jobs.
afraid for somebody/something
Her father looked ill and she was suddenly afraid for him.Many of us were afraid for our jobs.4 used to politely tell someone something that may annoy, upset, or disappoint them : That's the most we can offer you, I'm afraid.
I'm afraid
spokenThat's the most we can offer you, I'm afraid.WORD CHOICE: WORD CHOICE:
fear, afraid, frightenedfear (noun) is the feeling of being afraid. Do not say that you 'have fear'. Use be afraid or be frightened • My whole body was paralysed with fear. • She was suddenly very afraid. • We were too frightened to speak.The verb to fear is used mainly in literature or newspapers, and not usually in speech • She feared that he would not be found alive. • Fearing more riots, the government made concessions.It is more usual to say that someone is afraid or is frightened • My parents are afraid that I'll get involved with drugs. • People were frightened of being mugged. ➔ See also fear
WORD CHOICE: fear, afraid, frightenedfear (noun) is the feeling of being afraid. Do not say that you 'have fear'. Use be afraid or be frightened • My whole body was paralysed with fear. • She was suddenly very afraid. • We were too frightened to speak.The verb to fear is used mainly in literature or newspapers, and not usually in speech • She feared that he would not be found alive. • Fearing more riots, the government made concessions.It is more usual to say that someone is afraid or is frightened • My parents are afraid that I'll get involved with drugs. • People were frightened of being mugged. ➔ See also fear
