dread
UK: dred | US: dred
n. intense fear or apprehension
vt. to anticipate with great fear or reluctance
adj. (archaic) causing great fear; dreadful
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The word "dread" originates from Old English drǣdan, meaning "to fear or tremble." It shares roots with Proto-Germanic dradjaną ("to dread") and is linked to the Old High German trātan ("to fear"). Unlike many modern English words, "dread" has remained structurally intact over centuries, retaining its core meaning of profound fear. Its simplicity reflects its ancient Germanic heritage, bypassing Latin or Greek influences.
She felt a sense of dread before the exam.
The villagers dread the arrival of the harsh winter.
His dread of spiders made him avoid the basement.
The dread silence of the haunted house unnerved them.
(Archaic) "The dread beast lurked in the shadows."