Meaning & Definition of word "Afraid"
Afraid
/əˈfreɪd/
adjective:
- 1. feeling fear or anxiety; frightened.
- Example: She was afraid of the dark.
- 2. worried that something bad might happen.
- Example: He is afraid he might lose his job.
- 3. having a feeling of apprehension or unease.
- Example: The child was afraid to speak in front of the class.
Etymology
●Middle English, from 'afraid' meaning 'frightened' derived from the Old English 'afrægen', meaning 'to terrify'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
afraid of one's own shadow:
Very timid or apprehensive.
afraid to ask:
Reluctant to inquire due to fear of the response.
not afraid of:
Not intimidated by something or someone.
Related Words
fear:
An unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous.
anxiety:
A feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome.
Slang Meanings of afraid
Meaning: Freaked out
● Example Sentence: He was totally freaked out when he saw the ghost.
Meaning: Scared stiff
● Example Sentence: I was scared stiff during that horror movie.