DREAD | Definition and Meaning

Definition of Dread

Dread

dread

Definition/Meaning

(verb)

to be very fearful, worried, or apprehensive in one's anticipation of something;

e.g. Both of them dread the prospect of visiting the dentist.

(verb)

to be extremely apprehensive or reluctant to experience or meet something or someone;

e.g. I dread my meeting with him, in case he turns out to be rude.

(verb)

in old usage, to regard someone with great respect and awe;

e.g. I would dread such a distinguished expert in the field.

(noun)

a feeling of great apprehension and fear in response to some impending evil, or a feeling of uneasiness or nervousness about some disagreeable prospect;

e.g. The idea of undergoing their struggle again filled them with dread.

(noun)

in old usage, a feeling of awe, or someone or something that arouses such a feeling;

e.g. The pirate was the most famous dread that sailed the seas.

(noun)

a rope-like styling of hair accomplished by twisting, matting, and/or braiding (i.e. a dreadlock), a hairstyle that consists of such styling, or a person who wears this style;

e.g. He tucked a dread behind his ear before speaking.

(adjective)

causing great anxiety or fear;

e.g. The dread illness affected hundreds of people in the city.

(adjective)

inspiring great respect or awe;

e.g. They bowed before approaching the dread ruler.