afraid

1 of 1adjective

/əˈfreɪd/

1

getting a bad and anxious feeling from a person or thing because we think something bad or dangerous will happen

A2

She's afraid of spiders.
I'm afraid of flying in planes.
They were afraid of getting lost in the forest.
The child is afraid of loud noises.
He's always been afraid of the dark.

Synonyms:

frightened fearful frit apprehensive scared panicked terrified eerie panicky panic-stricken

Antonyms:

2

worried about a possible danger, difficulty, or problem

She was afraid for her brother's safety during the storm.
He felt afraid for the children left alone at home.
I'm afraid for what might happen if we don't act quickly.
We're all afraid for her health after the diagnosis.
They were afraid for the future of the project.

Synonyms:

uneasy concerned alarmed worrisome anxious apprehensive spooky worried

3

showing reluctance or regret, often before delivering bad news or a refusal

I'm afraid I can't help you with that project right now.
I'm afraid we're out of stock on that item.
I'm afraid I have to cancel our plans for the weekend.
I'm afraid you've missed the deadline for the application.
I'm afraid I don't know the answer to your question.

Synonyms:

4

unwilling or hesitant to do something due to fear of negative consequences

She was afraid to speak in public.
I'm afraid to tell him the truth.
He was afraid to ask for help.
They're afraid to make the first move.
We were afraid to go out during the storm.

Synonyms:

hesitant reluctant