I. ˈdred verb
Etymology: Middle English dreden, from Old English drǣdan
Date: before 12th century
transitive verb
1.
a. : to fear greatly
b. archaic : to regard with awe
2. : to feel extreme reluctance to meet or face
intransitive verb
: to be apprehensive or fearful
II. noun
Date: 13th century
1.
a. : great fear especially in the face of impending evil
b. : extreme uneasiness in the face of a disagreeable prospect
dread of a social blunder
c. archaic : awe
2. : one causing fear or awe
3.
a. : dreadlock 1
b. plural : dreadlock 2
Synonyms: see fear
III. adjective
Date: 15th century
1. : causing great fear or anxiety
2. : inspiring awe