Feared: meaning, definitions and examples

😨

Add to dictionary

feared

[ˈfɪəd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

emotion

regard (someone or something) with fear; be afraid of.

Synonyms

be afraid of, dread, feel apprehensive about, shrink from.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
feared	Suitable for situations where something is greatly dreaded or considered highly dangerous or threatening. The storm was feared by the entire village. He feared the consequences of his actions.
dread	Used when referring to a deep, overwhelming fear of a future event or outcome. He dreads going to the dentist. She dreads the thought of speaking in public.
be afraid of	Commonly used in everyday situations to express fear or anxiety about something. She is afraid of spiders. I am afraid of heights.
feel apprehensive about	Indicates a mild fear or anxiety, often about something uncertain or unknown. I feel apprehensive about starting my new job. They feel apprehensive about their trip to the city.
shrink from	Describes a tendency to avoid something out of fear or discomfort, often accompanied by physical withdrawal. She shrinks from confrontation. He shrinks from responsibility.

Examples of usage

He was feared and respected by all who knew him.
She feared for her safety in the dark alley.
We should not let fear control our lives.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

feeling

feeling afraid or apprehensive.

Synonyms

afraid, frightened, scared, terrified.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
feared	Used to describe something or someone that causes a lot of worry or dread. Often indicates respect mixed with fear. The disease was greatly feared by the villagers The feared warrior led his army into battle
afraid	Used to describe general fear or anxiety about something, often mild or moderate. She is afraid of spiders He was afraid to speak in public
scared	Used to describe a feeling of fear or being frightened. It can be used both for mild and intense fear, often in casual conversation. He was scared of the dark She looked scared after hearing the thunder
terrified	Describes an extreme level of fear, often associated with panic or absolute dread. She was terrified during the horror movie He was terrified of heights
frightened	Describes a strong feeling of fear, usually sudden or caused by a specific threat. Commonly used in less formal contexts. The loud noise frightened the baby She was frightened when she saw the dark alley

Examples of usage

She had a feared expression on her face.
The feared child clung to his mother's leg.
The feared animal cowered in the corner.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Old English 'foran', which meant 'to be afraid'.
Over time, it has evolved to reflect strong emotions of terror or apprehension.
Related words include 'fear' and 'fearing', suggesting a direct connection between feeling afraid and the action of fearing.

Psychology

Fear is a basic human emotion that triggers the body's fight-or-flight response.
Phobias are intense, irrational fears that can interfere with daily life, showing how deep-seated fear can be.
Studies show that fear can enhance memory, making traumatic experiences more vivid and easier to recall.

Literature

Many great literary works explore the theme of fear, often using it to reveal characters' true nature.
Authors like Edgar Allan Poe and H.P. Lovecraft have famously used fear to evoke suspense and horror.
The classic tale 'Frankenstein' examines fear of the unknown through its monstrous characters.

Cultural Perspectives

In various cultures, fear is often linked to supernatural beliefs, such as ghosts or curses.
Folklore around the world features creatures that embody fear, teaching moral lessons on bravery.
Cultural rituals often address fear, such as rites of passage that challenge individuals to confront their fears.

Pop Culture

Fear is a popular theme in movies, especially in horror films that aim to induce shock and thrill.
Video games often use fear to create suspense, enhancing the player's experience by placing them in frightening scenarios.
Songs about fear, like 'Fear' by Blue October, connect emotionally with listeners, expressing feelings of anxiety and dread.

Translations

Translations of the word "feared" in other languages:

🇵🇹 temido

🇮🇳 डराया हुआ

🇩🇪 gefürchtet

🇮🇩 ditakuti

🇺🇦 боявся

🇵🇱 bał się

🇯🇵 恐れられた (osore rareta)

🇫🇷 craint

🇪🇸 temido

🇹🇷 korkulan

🇰🇷 두려워하는 (duryeowohaneun)

🇸🇦 مخيف (mukhif)

🇨🇿 obávaný

🇸🇰 obávaný

🇨🇳 害怕的 (hài pà de)

🇸🇮 strahovan

🇮🇸 óttast

🇰🇿 қорыққан

🇬🇪 შეშინებული (sheshinebuli)

🇦🇿 qorxulu

🇲🇽 temido

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,704, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.

...
4701 exclude
4702 tropical
4703 borders
4704 feared
4705 realistic
4706 searching
4707 respiratory
...