Meaning & Definition of word "Fearful"

Fearful

/ˈfɪr.fəl/

adjective:

  • 1. Feeling afraid; anxious or apprehensive.
    • Example: She was fearful of the dark and refused to go outside at night.
  • 2. Causing or likely to cause fear.
    • Example: The fearful prospect of losing her job kept her awake at night.
  • 3. Full of fear; filled with apprehension.
    • Example: He had a fearful look on his face as he approached the haunted house.
  • 4. Timid; easily frightened.
    • Example: 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 of fearful

Meaning: Freaked out

Example Sentence: I was totally freaked out when I heard that noise.

Meaning: Scaredy-cat

Example Sentence: Don't be such a scaredy-cat; it's just a movie.