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fearful

adjective

/ˈfɪər fəl/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of fearful

Filled with fear or apprehension.
"The haunted house evoked a sense of fearful anticipation among the visitors."

Detailed meaning of fearful

It refers to a feeling of deep concern, anxiety, or dread in response to a perceived threat, danger, or unsettling situation. When someone is fearful, they experience a heightened sense of unease or worry that may be accompanied by physical and emotional manifestations, such as increased heart rate, trembling, or avoidance behaviors. The term "fearful" can also describe an object, event, or circumstance that provokes fear or is likely to cause distress. It signifies a state of vulnerability or perceived vulnerability, where individuals may be hesitant or reluctant to confront or engage with the source of their fear. Overall, "fearful" denotes a strong sense of fear and apprehension, emphasizing the emotional and psychological response to potential harm or danger.

Example sentences containing fearful

1. The child clung to their parent's leg, fearful of the thunderstorm outside.
2. She walked with a fearful expression, constantly looking over her shoulder.
3. The fearful hiker hesitated at the edge of the steep cliff.
4. The barking dogs made the mail carrier fearful of approaching the house.
5. He had a fearful encounter with a venomous snake while hiking in the woods.
6. The film's suspenseful music created a fearful atmosphere.

History and etymology of fearful

The adjective 'fearful' has its roots in the Old English word 'fær,' which means 'fear' or 'dread.' In Old English, 'fær' was combined with the suffix '-ful,' which is used to form adjectives indicating the presence or possession of a particular quality. Therefore, 'fearful' literally meant 'full of fear' or 'filled with dread.' Over time, this term evolved to describe a state of being filled with fear or apprehension, reflecting the emotional state of someone experiencing fear. The etymology of 'fearful' underscores its direct connection to the feeling of fear, emphasizing a condition marked by a sense of dread or anxiety.

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Further usage examples of fearful

1. The student felt fearful before taking the challenging exam.
2. The news of an approaching hurricane made the coastal residents fearful for their safety.
3. She had a fearful dream that left her trembling upon waking up.
4. The witness gave a fearful account of the crime scene.
5. The fearful cat hid under the bed during the loud thunderstorm.
6. The fearful child clung to their parent during the thunderstorm.
7. Her fearful expression revealed the depth of her anxiety.
8. A fearful hush fell over the crowd as the danger grew.
9. The dark alleyway seemed especially fearful at night.
10. He felt fearful about the upcoming job interview.
11. The news of the impending storm left everyone feeling fearful.
12. The forest became a fearful place after nightfall.
13. In the haunted house, he felt a fearful presence.
14. The fearful look in her eyes betrayed her inner turmoil.
15. His voice quivered with a fearful undertone.
16. The dog's fearful barking echoed through the empty street.
17. She navigated the fearful path with caution.
18. A fearful sense of foreboding hung in the air.
19. The fearful journey through the wilderness tested their courage.
20. The fearful witness hesitated to testify in court.
21. The movie's suspenseful music made the audience feel fearful.
22. The news of the virus outbreak made people fearful of travel.
23. His fearful nightmares haunted him each night.
24. The fearful anticipation of the unknown kept him awake.
25. The fearful thought of failure paralyzed her.