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Definition fear in British English

fear verb

[transitive] verb
/fɪə(r)/
1

to feel worried and afraid that something bad will happen or has already happened

Example

The refugees fear persecution if they return to their own country.

Example

One person is still missing, feared dead.

Example

Health experts fear that a flu epidemic will hit Britain this winter.

Synonyms and related words
2

to feel afraid of someone or something because they might harm you

Example

He was hated and feared by his colleagues.

Example

neighbourhoods where police feared to go

Synonyms and related words
Definition fear in British English