fear

The feeling of being afraid of someone or something.

• She has a fear of spiders.
• He overcame his fear of flying.
• Fear of the dark kept the child awake.

How to use it: fear of someone/something (His fear of dogs began in childhood.)

Similar words: fright, anxiety

Common phrases: fear of something, overcome fear, live in fear, shake with fear

In expressions with “no,” the chance that something will happen.

• There is no fear of her being early.
• No fear of him buying dinner; he never pays.
• There was no fear of them working too hard.

How to use it: no fear of something/doing something (There is no fear of him arriving early.)

Similar words: chance, likelihood

Common phrases: no fear of, no fear whatsoever

Deep respect for God, often including worry about breaking religious rules.

• He lived in fear of God.
• The sermon described holy fear as respect for God.
• Her fear of the Lord guided her actions.

How to use it: fear of someone/something (Their fear of God shaped their daily choices.)

Similar words: reverence, awe

Common phrases: fear of god, holy fear, fear of the lord

To be afraid of someone or something, or worry that something bad will happen.

• She fears dogs.
• We feared that nobody would come.
• Do you fear losing your home?

How to use it: fear that… (They feared that the bridge would collapse.); fear doing something (He fears losing his job.)

Similar words: dread, be afraid of

Common phrases: fear the worst, fear someone, fear failure, never fear

To worry that someone or something may be harmed or lost.

• We fear for his safety.
• They feared for their lives during the storm.
• She fears for the future of the business.

How to use it: fear for someone/something (She fears for her brother’s safety.)

Similar words: worry about, be concerned about

Common phrases: fear for someone, fear for safety, fear for survival

Used to politely say that you think something disappointing or unpleasant is true.

• I fear you are too late.
• We have failed, I fear.
• I fear there is nothing more I can do.

How to use it: I fear (that)… (I fear that we have missed the last train.)

Similar words: regret to say

Common phrases: i fear that, i fear so, i fear not

To feel deep respect for God or another powerful religious being.

• They were taught to fear God.
• The preacher urged his listeners to fear the Lord.
• She feared God and followed her faith closely.

Similar words: revere, venerate

Common phrases: fear god, fear the lord