predic.adj. 1 (often foll. by of, or that or lest + clause) alarmed, frightened. 2 (foll. by to + infin.) unwilling or reluctant for fear of the consequences (was afraid to go in). be afraid (foll. by that + clause) colloq. admit or declare with (real or politely simulated) regret (I'm afraid there's none left).
[ ME, past part. of obs. affray (v.) f. AF afrayer f. OF esfreer ]