- Dictionaryfear/ˈfir/
noun
- 1. an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat: "he is prey to irrational fears" Similar Opposite
verb
- 1. be afraid of (someone or something) as likely to be dangerous, painful, or threatening: "farmers fear that they will lose business" Similar
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Fear definition is - an unpleasant often strong emotion caused by anticipation or awareness of danger. How to use fear in a sentence. Synonym Discussion of fear.
Fear definition, a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether the threat is real or imagined; the feeling or condition of being afraid.
/ fɪə r/ B1 an unpleasant emotion or thought that you have when you are frightened or worried by something dangerous, painful, or bad that is happening or might happen: Trembling with fear, she handed over the money to the gunman.
A very unpleasant or disturbing feeling caused by the presence or imminence of danger: Our fears intensified as the storm approached.
Fear is an emotion induced by perceived danger or threat, which causes physiological changes and ultimately behavioral changes, such as mounting an aggressive response or fleeing the threat.
Fear is a vital response to physical and emotional danger that has been pivotal throughout human evolution, but especially in ancient times when men and women regularly faced life-or-death...
- Did humans evolve to feel specific fears?Throughout human history, certain animals, such as snakes and spiders, have caused high numbers of deaths. Thus, some researchers believe, men and...
- How do children learn fear?Research shows that babies do not appear to show signs of fear until around 8 to 12 months of age, usually in response to new people or events, but...
- Why do people sometimes seek out scary experiences?There are times when people actively pursue experiences that could scare them, like a roller coaster or a haunted house attraction . Some research...
- What everyday fears can hold us back?Some feelings commonly described as “fears” are not strictly phobias, but mental obstacles that limit people’s actions and decisions, often prevent...
- What is agoraphobia?Agoraphobia is the fear of situations that would be difficult to escape from or from which it would be difficult to get help, such as being in a m...
- Why do many people have a fear of heights?Fear of heights is a common phobia, and one that is often experienced intensely. In fact, the symptoms often mirror those of a panic attack, inclu...
- Why do so many people fear public speaking?It’s often stated that the fear of public speaking is the most common phobia. It isn’t; only about one in four people report experiencing it. But...
- How can someone overcome the fear of public speaking?Preparation, practice, support from others, and learning to put oneself in a calmer, more relaxed state can all help ease the fear of public speak...
- Why do people fear clowns?Clown-like characters have been a part of popular culture for centuries. Yet some people have always found them creepy, and about 2 percent of the...
How is the word fear distinct from other similar nouns? Some common synonyms of fear are alarm, dread, fright, panic, terror, and trepidation. While all these words mean "painful agitation in the presence or anticipation of danger," fear is the most general term and implies anxiety and usually loss of courage. fear of the unknown
- How is the word 'fear' distinct from other similar nouns?Some common synonyms of fear are alarm, dread, fright, panic, terror, and trepidation. While all these words mean "painful agitation in the presenc...
- When might 'alarm' be a better fit than 'fear'?The words alarm and fear are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, alarm suggests a sudden and intense awareness of immediate danger. /...
- In what contexts can 'dread' take the place of 'fear'?The synonyms dread and fear are sometimes interchangeable, but dread usually adds the idea of intense reluctance to face or meet a person or situat...
- Where would 'fright' be a reasonable alternative to 'fear'?While the synonyms fright and fear are close in meaning, fright implies the shock of sudden, startling fear. // fright at being awakened suddenly
- When can 'panic' be used instead of 'fear'?The words panic and fear can be used in similar contexts, but panic implies unreasoning and overmastering fear causing hysterical activity. // the...
- When is 'terror' a more appropriate choice than 'fear'?In some situations, the words terror and fear are roughly equivalent. However, terror implies the most extreme degree of fear. // immobilized with...
- How are the words 'trepidation' and 'dread' related as synonyms of 'fear'?Trepidation adds to dread the implications of timidity, trembling, and hesitation. // raised the subject with trepidation
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