afraid Meaning, Definition & Usage

adjective filled with fear or apprehension
- afraid even to turn his head
- suddenly looked afraid
- afraid for his life
- afraid of snakes
- afraid to ask questions
adjective satellite filled with regret or concern; used often to soften an unpleasant statement
- I'm afraid I won't be able to come
- he was afraid he would have to let her go
- I'm afraid you're wrong
adjective satellite feeling worry or concern or insecurity
- She was afraid that I might be embarrassed
- terribly afraid of offending someone
- I am afraid we have witnessed only the first phase of the conflict
adjective satellite having feelings of aversion or unwillingness
- afraid of hard work
- afraid to show emotion

OE. afrayed, affraide, p. p. of afraien to affray. See Affray, and cf. Afeard.

Impressed with fear or apprehension; in fear; apprehensive. Afraid comes after the noun it limits. "Back they recoiled, afraid." Milton. ✍ This word expresses a less degree of fear than terrified or frightened. It is followed by of before the object of fear, or by the infinitive, or by a dependent clause; as, to be afraid of death. "I am afraid to die." "I am afraid he will chastise me." "Be not afraid that I your hand should take." Shak. I am afraid is sometimes used colloquially to soften a statement; as, I am afraid I can not help you in this matter. Syn. -- Fearful; timid; timorous; alarmed; anxious.