Be afraid of Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Home
/ Dictionary
/ Be afraid of

😨

Add to dictionary

be afraid of

[bɪ əˈfreɪd ʌv ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Verb}

feeling

To feel fear or anxiety about something or someone.

Synonyms

be frightened of, be scared of, be terrified of, fear.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
be afraid of	Use this phrase in everyday situations when talking about general fear or concern. It's less intense and more common in casual speech. She is afraid of spiders. He is afraid of speaking in public.
fear	Use 'fear' in more formal contexts or when talking about a general sense of fear, especially in written communication. He had a deep-seated fear of failure. She fears being alone at night.
be scared of	This phrase is similar to 'be afraid of' but can convey a slightly stronger or more sudden reaction. It is still informal and commonly used. Many kids are scared of the dark. He is scared of going to the dentist.
be frightened of	Use this phrase when someone has a stronger sense of fear than just being afraid. It usually means a more immediate or intense reaction. The little boy was frightened of the loud thunder. She is frightened of heights.
be terrified of	Use this phrase to describe an extreme level of fear, often paralyzing. It indicates that someone is very afraid, to the point of panic. She is terrified of flying. He is terrified of snakes.

Examples of usage

I used to be afraid of the dark when I was a child.
She is afraid of spiders.
Don't be afraid of making mistakes, it's part of learning.
He is afraid of heights.
We should not be afraid of speaking our mind.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

A common emotion, fear can trigger the body's fight-or-flight response, preparing us to escape danger.
Phobias are intense fears of specific things, such as heights or spiders, which can affect daily life.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is often used to help people manage and overcome their fears.

Cultural References

The phrase is often used in horror movies, where characters face fears represented by monsters or ghosts.
In literature, authors use fear to develop tension in stories, making readers more engaged.
Songs and poems frequently explore themes of fear, illustrating emotions through vivid imagery.

Historical Perspectives

Throughout history, fear has been seen as a survival mechanism, helping humans avoid threats.
Philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche famously wrote about fear, suggesting it can lead to growth and strength.
In ancient times, rituals were performed to ward off fears associated with the unknown, like storms or sickness.

Social Context

Fear of judgment can prevent individuals from expressing themselves freely, affecting social interactions.
Cultural backgrounds influence what people are afraid of, from natural disasters to social situations.
Media often amplifies fears, such as those related to crime or health, influencing public perception.

Children's Literature

Many children's books tackle fears, helping young readers understand and manage their feelings.
Stories about overcoming fears, like the classic 'The Lion and the Mouse,' teach bravery and empathy.
Characters in children's media often face their fears in a humorous or friendly way, making them relatable.

Origin of 'be afraid of'

The phrase 'be afraid of' dates back to Old English and has evolved over time to its current usage. The concept of fear has always been an integral part of human nature, driving individuals to protect themselves from perceived threats. The expression 'be afraid of' reflects this universal emotion and the instinctual response it triggers in individuals when faced with danger or uncertainty.