Synonyms for afraid


Grammar : Adj
Spell : uh-freyd
Phonetic Transcription : əˈfreɪd

Top 10 synonyms for afraid Other synonyms for the word afraid

Définition of afraid

Origin :
  • early 14c., originally past participle of afray "frighten," from Anglo-French afrayer, from Old French esfreer (see affray (n.)). A rare case of an English adjective that never stands before a noun. Because it was used in A.V. Bible, it acquired independent standing and thrived while affray faded, chasing out the once more common afeared. Sense in I'm afraid "I regret to say, I suspect" (without implication of fear) is first recorded 1590s.
  • Her blue affrayed eyes wide open shone [Keats, "The Eve of St. Agnes," 1820]
  • adj fearful
  • adj reluctant, regretful
Example sentences :
  • Philothea has glided from the apartment, as if afraid to remain in my presence.
  • Extract from : « Philothea » by Lydia Maria Child
  • "I am afraid I should make a poor hand at it," said Mrs. Rushton, smiling.
  • Extract from : « Brave and Bold » by Horatio Alger
  • “I am afraid he is past ransom,” said the youth, shaking his head.
  • Extract from : « The Armourer's Prentices » by Charlotte M. Yonge
  • That he is afraid to trust banks, and hides his money in the earth.
  • Extract from : « Brave and Bold » by Horatio Alger
  • As for him—well caviare, I'm afraid, will always be caviare to Jimmy Nesbit.
  • Extract from : « The Spenders » by Harry Leon Wilson
  • She knew the butler's life history two days after she had ceased to be afraid of him.
  • Extract from : « The Spenders » by Harry Leon Wilson
  • I'm afraid of myself, even in spite of our affairs being so bad.
  • Extract from : « The Spenders » by Harry Leon Wilson
  • "I am afraid you give me too much credit," said Robert, modestly.
  • Extract from : « Brave and Bold » by Horatio Alger
  • She saw me in the yacht, only once; she knew me; she was afraid.
  • Extract from : « Malbone » by Thomas Wentworth Higginson
  • We wish it because we think it is right and not because we are afraid.
  • Extract from : « United States Presidents' Inaugural Speeches » by Various

Antonyms for afraid

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019