I. dread 1 /dred/ BrE AmE verb
[ Language: Old English ; Origin: drædan ]
[transitive] to feel anxious or worried about something that is going to happen or may happen:
I’ve got an interview tomorrow and I’m dreading it.
dread doing something
I’m dreading going back to work.
dread somebody doing something
Tim dreaded his parents finding out.
dread (that)
I’m dreading that I’ll be asked to make a speech.
dread the thought/prospect of (doing) something
He dreaded the prospect of being all alone in that house.
I dread to think what will happen if they get elected (=I think it will be very bad) .
II. dread 2 BrE AmE noun
[singular, uncountable] a strong fear of something that is going to happen or may happen
dread of (doing) something
the dread of losing those we love
with dread
Bernice looked with dread at the end of the passage.
The prospect of flying filled me with dread.
She lives in dread of (=is continuously very afraid of) the disease returning.
III. dread ‧ ed /ˈdredəd, ˈdredɪd/ BrE AmE ( also dread literary ) adjective
[only before noun] making you feel afraid or anxious – often used humorously:
She couldn’t put off the dreaded moment forever.