fear
Meaning: An unpleasant emotion caused by the threat of danger or harm
'Fear' is an unpleasant emotion triggered by the perception of danger, whether real or imagined. As a verb, it means to be afraid of something. Fear is a basic human emotion that serves as a survival mechanism, but can also become irrational in the form of phobias. The word can also express worry or concern about something.
Examples
- She has a fear of heights and won't go near the edge. 她恐高,不会靠近边缘。Ella tiene miedo a las alturas y no se acerca al borde.彼女は高所恐怖症で、端には近づきません。그녀는 고소공포증이 있어서 가장자리에 가까이 가지 않습니다.
- I fear that we may be too late to catch the train. 我担心我们赶不上火车了。Temo que lleguemos demasiado tarde para coger el tren.電車に間に合わないのではないかと心配しています。기차를 놓치지 않을까 걱정됩니다.
- The child cried out in fear when the thunder crashed. 雷声响起时,孩子害怕地哭了出来。El niño gritó de miedo cuando retumbó el trueno.雷が鳴ったとき、子供は恐怖で叫びました。천둥이 칠 때 아이는 공포에 질려 소리쳤습니다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: general
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Old English 'fǣr' meaning 'sudden danger' or 'peril', from Proto-Germanic '*fēraz'. Originally meant 'danger' itself rather than the emotion caused by it. The shift from 'danger' to 'the feeling caused by danger' occurred in the 12th century.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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