Dread Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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dread
[dred ]
Definitions
feeling
A strong feeling of fear or anxiety.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| dread |
used when feeling extreme fear or worry about something bad that might happen in the future, often implying a sense of helplessness or inevitability.
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| fear |
a basic and intense emotion triggered by a threat, danger, or harm, not necessarily tied to future events like dread.
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| anxiety |
refers to a persistent and often general feeling of worry or nervousness, typically about something with an uncertain outcome.
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| apprehension |
used to describe a specific, mild fear or uneasiness about a particular event or situation, often linked to anticipation.
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Examples of usage
- I felt a sense of dread as the deadline approached.
- The dread of the unknown kept him awake at night.
anticipation
Anticipate with great apprehension or fear.
Synonyms
anticipate with fear, fear greatly.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| dread |
This term is often used when referring to a deep, overwhelming feeling of fear or anxiety about something in the future.
|
| anticipate with fear |
This phrase describes the act of looking forward to something with a mixture of expectation and fear, suggesting a slightly less intense feeling than pure dread.
|
| fear greatly |
This phrase is used when indicating a strong, intense fear, often about a significant or immediate threat.
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Examples of usage
- She dreaded the thought of having to speak in public.
- He dreaded the upcoming exam.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Dread is often linked to anticipatory anxiety, which involves worrying excessively about future events.
- Research shows that feeling dread can trigger the body's fight-or-flight response, leading to physical symptoms like increased heart rate and sweating.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is commonly used to help people manage feelings of dread and anxiety by changing negative thought patterns.
Literature
- Many authors explore the theme of dread in horror literature, using it to build tension and suspense in their narratives.
- In Shakespeareโs plays, feelings of dread often foreshadow tragic events, enhancing the emotional impact on the audience.
- Modern literature, such as dystopian novels, frequently portrays societal dread as a reflection of real-world fears.
Pop Culture
- Films in the horror genre often evoke dread through suspenseful music and unexpected plot twists, keeping audiences on edge.
- Video games like 'Silent Hill' use atmospheric storytelling to create a heavy sense of dread and foreboding.
- Songs often explore themes of dread, capturing feelings of anxiety, loss, and fear, resonating deeply with listeners.
Philosophy
- Existential thinkers like Kierkegaard viewed dread as a critical part of human existence, emphasizing its role in personal growth and self-discovery.
- Dread can be seen as an awareness of one's own mortality and the uncertainty of the future, leading to deeper philosophical inquiries about life.
- The concept of dread has been analyzed in existential psychotherapy, which focuses on facing and embracing lifeโs uncertainties.
Origin of 'dread'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'dread' comes from the Old English 'drฤad', meaning fear or terror.
- It is related to the German word 'drau', which means to be afraid, showing connections across languages.
- Initially, 'dread' included connotations of profound respect and awe, particularly in religious contexts.
The word 'dread' originated from the Old English 'drรฆdan' which means 'to fear'. It has been used in the English language for centuries to describe a strong feeling of fear or anxiety. Over time, 'dread' has become synonymous with apprehension and anticipation of something unpleasant or feared.
See also: dreaded, dreadful, dreadfully, dreadfulness.