See Also: afraid(dictionary)
afraid(dictionary)

afraid (oh)



[Date: 1300-1400; Origin: Past participle of affray 'to frighten' (14-19 centuries), from Old French affreer; AFFRAY]
frightened because you think that you may get hurt or that something bad may happen
-synonym scared scared
::There's no need to be afraid.
afraid of (doing) sth
::kids who are afraid of the dark
::He was afraid of being caught by the police.
afraid to do sth
::Zoe was half afraid (=a little afraid) to go back in the house.
see usage note fear 1
worried about what might happen, or that something bad will happen
afraid (that)
::He was afraid that the other kids would laugh at him.
afraid of (doing) sth
::I didn't tell her because I was afraid of upsetting her.
::The government was afraid of a public outcry.
afraid to do sth
::Don't be afraid to ask for help.
afraid for sb/sth
worried that something bad may happen to a particular person or thing
::Her father looked ill and she was suddenly afraid for him.
::Many of us were afraid for our jobs.
I'm afraid
spoken used to politely tell someone something that may annoy, upset, or disappoint them
::That's the most we can offer you, I'm afraid.
I'm afraid (that)
::I'm afraid you've come to the wrong address.
::'Is she very ill?' ' I'm afraid so (=yes) .'
::'Did you see him?' ' I'm afraid not (=no) .'