LEST


Meaning of LEST in English

conj.

Pronunciation: ' lest

Function: conjunction

Etymology: Middle English les the, leste, from Old English thy ̄ l ǣ s the, from thy ̄ (instrumental of thæt that) + l ǣ s + the, relative particle

Date: before 12th century

: for fear that ― often used after an expression denoting fear or apprehension <worried lest she should be late> <hesitant to speak out lest he be fired>

Merriam Webster Collegiate English Dictionary.      Merriam Webster - Энциклопедический словарь английского языка.