- afraid */*/*/
- UK [əˈfreɪd] / US
adjective [never before noun]
Metaphor:Feeling afraid is like feeling cold. I felt a chill of fear. ♦ An icy hand clutched her heart. ♦ I was in a cold sweat before the audition. ♦ The howling noise sent shivers down his spine. ♦ The movie contained scenes of spine-chilling horror. ♦ Alex got cold feet and pulled out at the last minute. ♦ It was a sight that made her blood run cold. ♦ The blood froze in his veins. When someone feels afraid, it is as if their body is shaking. The mere sound of his name made his enemies tremble. ♦ He quailed at the thought of being found out. ♦ Everyone's a bit jittery before an inspection. ♦ I was shaking in my shoes before the interview. ♦ No doubt the opposition are quaking in their boots. ➡ feeling1) worried that something bad might happenafraid (that):afraid of:
I was afraid that you'd miss the flight.
afraid of doing something:He's afraid of the dark.
afraid to do something:I was afraid of getting lost.
If you don't know the answer, don't be afraid to say so.
2) frightened, for example because you feel you are in dangerafraid of:Don't be afraid – I won't hurt you.
Everyone seems to be afraid of her.
afraid to do something:He's afraid of flying.
be afraid for someone (= believe that someone is in danger):She was afraid to go near the dog.
People here are afraid for their children.
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English dictionary. 2014.