Fear Meaning and Definition
Fear
Pronunciation
/fɪər/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A feeling of anxiety or apprehension caused by a perceived threat to one’s well-being or safety.
Examples
- He had a fear of heights.
- The news sparked fear among the community.
Synonyms
- Fright
- Apprehension
Antonyms
- Courage
- Confidence
Additional Information
Fear is a natural and adaptive response to potential threats. However, when fear becomes excessive or irrational, it can interfere with daily life and lead to anxiety disorders. There are many different types of fear, ranging from phobias to social fears and even existential fears.
Understanding and addressing the underlying causes of fear can help individuals overcome it. This can be achieved through various techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, exposure therapy, and mindfulness practices.
Interestingly, fear can also serve as a motivating force in certain contexts, such as in competitive sports or high-stakes performances. In these situations, the fear of failure or losing can drive individuals to push themselves beyond their perceived limits.
Etimology
The word fear comes from the Old English word “fear”, which is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root “*peh2-“, meaning to flee or run away.
Usage Notes
Fear can be used in various contexts to describe a range of emotions, from mild apprehension to extreme terror.
When using the word fear in a sentence, it is essential to understand the context and the desired level of intensity.
Cultural References
Fear has been referenced in many works of literature, art, and popular culture.
Examples include Edgar Allan Poe’s short story “Fear”, the movie Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, and the album Fear Inoculum by the band Tool.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Fear can be used in idiomatic expressions such as “frightened out of their wits” or “scared stiff”.
These expressions convey the idea that fear can be overwhelming and debilitating.
Related Words or Phrases
Related words or phrases that convey similar emotions or ideas include fright, dread, anxiety, apprehension, and alarm.
Collocations
Common collocations with the word fear include fear of rejection, fear of failure, fear of heights, and fear of the unknown.
Frequency of Use
The word fear is frequently used in modern language, particularly in news articles and social media.
According to Google Ngram, the word fear has seen a significant increase in usage over the past century.
Common Misspellings
Common misspellings of the word fear include feir, feiar, and feare.