Fearful

/ˈfɪr.fəl/

Meaning & Definition

adjective
Feeling afraid; anxious or apprehensive.
She was fearful of the dark and refused to go outside at night.
Causing or likely to cause fear.
The fearful prospect of losing her job kept her awake at night.
Full of fear; filled with apprehension.
He had a fearful look on his face as he approached the haunted house.
Timid; easily frightened.
The fearful puppy hid behind its owner during the thunderstorm.

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English 'fǽr' meaning 'sudden event, danger', combined with '-ful' meaning 'full of'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

fearful of the unknown
Apprehensive about what lies ahead.
fearful for one's safety
Concerned about personal safety.
fearful hearts
Hearts full of fear.

Related Words

fear
An emotion induced by a perceived threat.
dread
Anticipating with great apprehension.
anxiety
A feeling of worry or unease.

Slang Meanings

Freaked out
I was totally freaked out when I heard that noise.
Scaredy-cat
Don't be such a scaredy-cat; it's just a movie.