adj.
Pronunciation: ' fir-f ə l
Function: adjective
Date: 14th century
1 : causing or likely to cause fear, fright, or alarm especially because of dangerous quality <a fearful storm>
2 a : full of fear < fearful for his safety> b : indicating or arising from fear <a fearful glance> c : inclined to fear : TIMOROUS
3 : very great or bad ― used as an intensive <a fearful waste> < fearful slum conditions>
– fear · ful · ly \ -f( ə -)l ē \ adverb
– fear · ful · ness \ -f ə l-n ə s \ noun
synonyms FEARFUL , APPREHENSIVE , AFRAID mean disturbed by fear. FEARFUL implies often a timorous or worrying temperament <the child is fearful of loud noises>. APPREHENSIVE suggests a state of mind and implies a premonition of evil or danger < apprehensive of being found out>. AFRAID often suggests weakness or cowardice and regularly implies inhibition of action or utterance < afraid to speak the truth>.