Meaning & Definition of word "Dread"

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    Dread

    /drɛd/

    noun:

    • 1. great fear or apprehension.
      • Example: The news of the storm filled everyone with dread.
    • 2. a person or thing that causes fear.
      • Example: The dread of failure kept him from taking risks.

    verb:

    • 1. to anticipate with great apprehension or fear.
      • Example: She dreaded the thought of having to speak in front of the crowd.
    • 2. to regard with great apprehension.
      • Example: He dreaded the upcoming exam and studied late into the night.

    Etymology

    Middle English dreden, from Old English drēdan; akin to Old Norse dreda.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    dread to think:

    to be afraid to consider something because it is unpleasant

    dread the day:

    to anticipate with fear an upcoming event

    dreadlocks:

    a type of hairstyle that involves hair being twisted into locks

    Related Words

    afraid:

    feeling fear or apprehension

    terror:

    extreme fear

    apprehension:

    anxiety or fear about the future

    Slang Meanings of dread

    Meaning: dread out

    Example Sentence: I dread out when I think about the final exam.

    Meaning: dreads

    Example Sentence: He's rocking some sick dreads.