Need another word for Afraid? Use these synonyms of Afraid from our thesaurus to say it differently.
Synonyms & Similar Words
frightened
scared
fearful
terrified
intimidated
apprehensive
nervous
anxious
uneasy
alarmed
petrified
horrified
dismayed
disquieted
troubled
worried
solicitous
concerned
timid
cowardly
spineless
weak
faint-hearted
tremulous
quaking
quivering
shaking
cowering
cringing
hesitant
uncertain
insecure
distrustful
suspicious
fearful
phobic
neurotic
high-strung
on edge
jittery
jumpy
skittish
fearful
afraid
apprehensive
foreboding
Meaning of Afraid
The primary meaning of the word "afraid" is feeling fear or anxiety about something.
Definitions
- Feeling fear or anxiety about something that may happen or something that is happening
- * Feeling nervous or worried because you think something bad might happen
- * Lacking the courage to do something because you are worried about the consequences
Etymology of Afraid
The word "afraid" comes from the Old English words "on" (in a state of) and "frēdan" (to frighten), and the Middle English word "afraiden", which is also related to the Old English word "frēdan"
The word has been used in the English language since the 14th century to describe a state of fear or anxiety
Example Uses
- I'm afraid of spiders, so I don't like to be near them
- * She was afraid to go skydiving because she was worried about the safety risks
- * He's afraid of failing the exam, so he's studying very hard