n. & v.
n. 1 a an unpleasant emotion caused by exposure to danger, expectation of pain, etc. b a state of alarm (be in fear). 2 a cause of fear (all fears removed). 3 (often foll. by of) dread or fearful respect (towards) (had a fear of heights). 4 anxiety for the safety of (in fear of their lives). 5 danger; likelihood (of something unwelcome) (there is little fear of failure).
v. 1 a tr. feel fear about or towards (a person or thing). b intr. feel fear. 2 intr. (foll. by for) feel anxiety or apprehension about (feared for my life). 3 tr. apprehend; have uneasy expectation of (fear the worst). 4 tr. (usu. foll. by that + clause) apprehend with fear or regret (I fear that you are wrong). 5 tr. a (foll. by to + infin.) hesitate. b (foll. by verbal noun) shrink from; be apprehensive about (he feared meeting his ex-wife). 6 tr. show reverence towards. for fear of (or that) to avoid the risk of (or that). never fear there is no danger of that. no fear colloq. expressing strong denial or refusal. without fear or favour impartially.
[ OE f. Gmc ]