Fear \Fear\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Feared (f[=e]rd); p. pr. &
   vb. n. Fearing.] [OE. feren, faeren, to frighten, to be
   afraid, AS. f[=ae]ran to terrify. See Fear, n.]
   1. To feel a painful apprehension of; to be afraid of; to
      consider or expect with emotion of alarm or solicitude.
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            I will fear no evil, for thou art with me. --Ps.
                                                  xxiii. 4.
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   Note: With subordinate clause.

               I greatly fear my money is not safe. --Shak.

               I almost fear to quit your hand.   --D. Jerrold.
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   2. To have a reverential awe of; to be solicitous to avoid
      the displeasure of.
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            Leave them to God above; him serve and fear.
                                                  --Milton.
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   3. To be anxious or solicitous for; now replaced by fear
      for. [R.]
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            The sins of the father are to be laid upon the
            children, therefore . . . I fear you. --Shak.
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   4. To suspect; to doubt. [Obs.]
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            Ay what else, fear you not her courage? --Shak.
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   5. To affright; to terrify; to drive away or prevent approach
      of by fear. [Obs.]
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            Fear their people from doing evil.    --Robynson
                                                  (More's
                                                  Utopia).
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            Tush, tush! fear boys with bugs.      --Shak.

   Syn: To apprehend; dread; reverence; venerate.
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