afraid

[ uh-freyd ]

adjective

1. feeling fear; filled with apprehension:

   afraid to go.

   Synonyms: timorous, timid, apprehensive, fearful, scared

   Antonyms: fearless, confident, bold

2. feeling regret, unhappiness, or the like:

   I'm afraid we can't go on Monday.

3. feeling reluctance, unwillingness, distaste, or the like:

   He seemed afraid to show his own children a little kindness.

afraid

/ əˈfreɪd /

adjective

1. often foll by of feeling fear or apprehension; frightened

   he was afraid of cats

2. reluctant (to do something), as through fear or timidity

   he was afraid to let himself go

3. often foll bythat; used to lessen the effect of an unpleasant statement regretful

   I'm afraid that I shall have to tell you to go

Other Words From

• half-a·fraid adjective
• una·fraid adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of afraid¹

Variant spelling of affrayed, past participle of affray to disturb, frighten

Word History and Origins

Origin of afraid¹

C14: affraied, past participle of affray (to frighten)

Synonym Study

Afraid, alarmed, frightened, terrified all indicate a state of fear. Afraid implies inner apprehensive disquiet: afraid of the dark. Alarmed implies that the feelings are aroused through realization of some imminent or unexpected danger to oneself or others: alarmed by (or about ) someone's illness. Frightened means shocked with sudden, but usually short-lived, fear, especially that arising from apprehension of physical harm: frightened by an accident. Terrified suggests the emotional reaction when one is struck with a violent, overwhelming fear: terrified by an earthquake.

Example Sentences

“Doctors assume that a D&C is not standard in Texas anymore, even in cases where it should be recommended. People are afraid: They see D&C as abortion and abortion as illegal.”

From Salon

"She is strong, she is brave, she is not afraid to grab a demigod by the ear. She looks strong as well, at the helm of her ship."

From BBC

And if that’s a red flag, I’m not afraid to wave it.

From Los Angeles Times

"I'm afraid I'm rather worried that this is more about press releases than actual real action to help our communities and people suffering from anti-social behaviour," he said.

From BBC

Britt said she’d been “so afraid” to tell her story — after all, who would believe her?

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• anxious
• apprehensive
• frightened
• nervous
• scared
• shocked
• suspicious
• timid