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Dread - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Dread is a strong feeling of fear or anxiety about something that may happen. It often implies a deep, lingering sense of unease or apprehension about the future.

dread

/drɛd/ /drɛd/

Definition:

Great fear or apprehension about something that may happen.

Synonyms:

fear, terror, horror, anxiety

Part of Speech:

noun, verb

Antonyms:

confidence, courage

Common Collocations:

dread the thought, feel dread, overwhelming dread, sense of dread

Derivatives:

dreadful, dreadfully, dreadfulness

Usage Tips:

Use "dread" to describe intense fear or reluctance about future events or tasks.

Common Phrases:

live in dread, filled with dread, dread the worst

Etymology:

From Old English *ondrǣdan*, meaning to fear or be afraid of something.

Examples:

  • 1. She felt a sudden dread before the exam.
  • 2. He couldn’t shake the dread of failing the interview.
  • 3. Many people dread public speaking more than anything else.
  • 4. The dark alley filled her with inexplicable dread.

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