adj.
Pronunciation: ə - ' fr ā d, Southern also ə - ' fred
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English affraied, from past participle of affraien to frighten ― more at AFFRAY
Date: 14th century
1 : filled with fear or apprehension < afraid of machines> < afraid for his job>
2 : filled with concern or regret over an unwanted situation <I'm afraid I won't be able to go>
3 : having a dislike for something < afraid of hard work>
synonyms see FEARFUL