afeard

or a·feared

[ uh-feerd ]

adjective

, British and Midland and Southern U.S.

1. afraid.

afeard

/ əˈfɪəd /

adjective

1. See afraid
   postpositive an archaic or dialect word for afraid

Word History and Origins

Origin of afeard¹

before 1000; Middle English afered, Old English āfǣred frightened (past participle of āfǣran ). See a- ³, fear, -ed ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of afeard¹

Old English āfǣred, from afǣran to frighten, from fǣran to fear

Example Sentences

And I am afeard my former high esteem of his preaching was more out of opinion than judgment.

From Project Gutenberg

We sent for a doctor and chyrurgeon, but none to be found, till by-and-by by chance comes in Dr. Clerke, who is afeard of him.

From Project Gutenberg

At which I was glad, but only afeard lest any thing of the King's should force us to go after him to get a seal in the country.

From Project Gutenberg

So home and to bed with quiett mind, blessed be God, but afeard of my candle's going out, which makes me write thus slubberingly.

From Project Gutenberg

There's places enough, sight worse, and then agin there's them, a good deal better But you needn't be afeard.

From Project Gutenberg