feared
UK: fɪəd | US: fɪrd
adj. feeling or showing fear; frightened
v. (past tense of fear) to be afraid of (someone or something)
feared = fear<dread> + ed<past tense suffix>
- fear (from Old English fǣr "calamity, sudden danger," related to fǣran "to terrify")
- ed (past tense suffix in English, indicating completed action)
Etymology Origin:
The word "feared" originates from the Old English fǣr, which referred to sudden danger or calamity. Over time, fear evolved to denote the emotion of dread. The addition of the suffix -ed marks it as the past tense or past participle, reflecting a completed state of being afraid. The progression from "sudden danger" to "emotional dread" mirrors the human tendency to internalize external threats as psychological experiences.
She feared the dark alley after hearing strange noises.
The villagers feared the approaching storm.
He feared his boss’s reaction to the mistake.
The child feared being left alone at night.
They feared the worst when the news broke.