from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Fear \Fear\, n. [OE. fer, feer, fere, AS. f[=ae]r a coming
suddenly upon, fear, danger; akin to D. vaar, OHG. f[=a]ra
danger, G. gefahr, Icel. f[=a]r harm, mischief, plague, and
to E. fare, peril. See {Fare}.]
1. A painful emotion or passion excited by the expectation of
evil, or the apprehension of impending danger;
apprehension; anxiety; solicitude; alarm; dread.
[1913 Webster]
Note: The degrees of this passion, beginning with the most
moderate, may be thus expressed, -- {apprehension},
fear, {dread}, {fright}, {terror}.
[1913 Webster]
Fear is an uneasiness of the mind, upon the
thought of future evil likely to befall us.
--Locke.
[1913 Webster]
Where no hope is left, is left no fear. --Milton.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Script.)
(a) Apprehension of incurring, or solicitude to avoid,
God's wrath; the trembling and awful reverence felt
toward the Supreme Being.
(b) Respectful reverence for men of authority or worth.
[1913 Webster]
I will put my fear in their hearts. --Jer.
xxxii. 40.
[1913 Webster]
I will teach you the fear of the Lord. --Ps.
xxxiv. 11.
[1913 Webster]
Render therefore to all their dues; tribute to
whom tribute is due . . . fear to whom fear.
--Rom. xiii.
7.
[1913 Webster]
3. That which causes, or which is the object of, apprehension
or alarm; source or occasion of terror; danger;
dreadfulness.
[1913 Webster]
There were they in great fear, where no fear was.
--Ps. liii. 5.
[1913 Webster]
The fear of your adventure would counsel you to a
more equal enterprise. --Shak.
[1913 Webster]
{For fear}, in apprehension lest. "For fear you ne'er see
chain nor money more." --Shak.
[1913 Webster]