Fear, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Feared p. pr. & vb. n. Fearing.]
1. To feel a painful apprehension of; to be afraid of; to consider or expect with emotion of alarm or solicitude.
I will fear no evil, for thou art with me. --Ps. xxiii. 4.
Note: With subordinate clause.
I greatly fear my money is not safe. --Shak.
I almost fear to quit your hand. --D. Jerrold.
2. To have a reverential awe of; to be solicitous to avoid the displeasure of.
Leave them to God above; him serve and fear. --Milton.
3. To be anxious or solicitous for; now replaced by fear for. [R.]
The sins of the father are to be laid upon the children, therefore . . . I fear you. --Shak.
4. To suspect; to doubt. [Obs.]
Ay what else, fear you not her courage? --Shak.
5. To affright; to terrify; to drive away or prevent approach of by fear. [Obs.]
Fear their people from doing evil. --Robynson (More's Utopia).
Tush, tush! fear boys with bugs. --Shak.
Syn: -- To apprehend; dread; reverence; venerate.