afraid

Adjective
Synonyms: afraid(p)

WordNet 3.0

Adjective (4)

  1. filled with fear or apprehension“afraid even to turn his head”“suddenly looked afraid”“afraid for his life”“afraid of snakes”“afraid to ask questions”Synonyms: afraid(p)
  2. filled with regret or concern; used often to soften an unpleasant statement“I'm afraid I won't be able to come”“he was afraid he would have to let her go”“I'm afraid you're wrong”
  3. feeling worry or concern or insecurity“She was afraid that I might be embarrassed”“terribly afraid of offending someone”“I am afraid we have witnessed only the first phase of the conflict”
  4. having feelings of aversion or unwillingness“afraid of hard work”“afraid to show emotion”
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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Afraid \A*fraid"\, p. a. [OE. afrayed, affraide, p. p. of afraien to affray. See Affray, and cf. Afeard.] Impressed with fear or apprehension; in fear; apprehensive. [Afraid comes after the noun it limits.] "Back they recoiled, afraid." --Milton. [1913 Webster]

Note: This word expresses a less degree of fear than terrified or frightened. It is followed by of before the object of fear, or by the infinitive, or by a dependent clause; as, to be afraid of death. "I am afraid to die." "I am afraid he will chastise me." "Be not afraid that I your hand should take." --Shak. I am afraid is sometimes used colloquially to soften a statement; as, I am afraid I can not help you in this matter. [1913 Webster]

Syn: Fearful; timid; timorous; alarmed; anxious. [1913 Webster]

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