afraid meaning and definition

AFRAID adjective

Definition of afraid (adjective)

1. filled with fear or apprehension
   • "afraid even to turn his head"; "suddenly looked afraid"; "afraid for his life"; "afraid of snakes"; "afraid to ask questions"
   • antonym: fearless
2. filled with regret or concern; used often to soften an unpleasant statement
   • "I'm afraid I won't be able to come"; "he was afraid he would have to let her go"; "I'm afraid you're wrong"
3. feeling worry or concern or insecurity
   • "She was afraid that I might be embarrassed"; "terribly afraid of offending someone"; "I am afraid we have witnessed only the first phase of the conflict"
4. having feelings of aversion or unwillingness
   • "afraid of hard work"; "afraid to show emotion"