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afraid

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adjective [never before noun] British English pronunciation: afraid

/əˈfreɪd/

Other entries for this word

Related dictionary definitions

afraid/scared of your own shadow

Metaphor

1
worried that something bad might happen
afraid (that):
I was afraid that you'd miss the flight.
afraid of:
He's afraid of the dark.
afraid of doing something:
I was afraid of getting lost.
afraid to do something:
If you don't know the answer, don't be afraid to say so.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of afraid
2
frightened, 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.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of afraid

phrase

I'm afraid
spoken
used 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 them
Things 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'm afraid so:
'Did he forget to do it?' 'I'm afraid so.'
I'm afraid not:
'Will John be there?' 'I'm afraid not.'
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of afraid

Metaphor: afraid

Metaphor

Feeling afraid is like feeling cold.

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.

When someone feels afraid, it is as if their body is shaking.

The mere sound of his name made his enemies tremble.
He quailed at the thought of being found out.
Everyone's a bit jittery before an inspection.
I was shaking in my shoes before the interview.
No doubt the opposition are quaking in their boots.

➡ feeling

This is the British English definition of afraid. View American English definition of afraid.

Change your default dictionary and thesaurus to American English.

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