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afraid
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/əˈfreɪd/- 1frightened, for example because you feel you are in danger
Don’t be afraid – I won’t hurt you.
afraid of:Everyone seems to be afraid of her.
He’s afraid of flying.
afraid to do something:She was afraid to go near the dog.
be afraid for someone (=believe that someone is in danger):People here are afraid for their children.
phrase
I’m afraid
spokenused for politely telling someone something that might make them sad, disappointed, or angry, for example when you cannot do what they want or do not agree with themThings haven’t been going very well here, I’m afraid.
I’m afraid (that):I’m afraid that I can’t accept this job.
I’m afraid to say (that):I’m afraid to say I found the book very dull.
- I felt a chill of fear.
- An icy hand clutched her heart.
- I was in a cold sweat before the audition.
- The howling noise sent shivers down his spine.
- The movie contained scenes of spine-chilling horror.
- Alex got cold feet and pulled out at the last minute.
- It was a sight that made her blood run cold.
- The blood froze in his veins.
- The mere sound of his name made his enemies tremble.
- He quailed at the thought of being found out.
- Everyone’s a little jittery before an inspection.
- I was shaking in my boots before the interview.
This is the American English definition of afraid. View British English definition of afraid.
Change your default dictionary and thesaurus to British English.
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