afeard

adjective \ə-ˈfird\

Definition of AFEARD

chiefly dialect

: afraid

Variants of AFEARD

afeard or afeared \ə-ˈfird\

Origin of AFEARD

Middle English afered, from Old English āfǣred, past participle of āfǣran to frighten, from ā-, perfective prefix + fǣran to frighten — more at abide, fear

First Known Use: before 12th century

Rhymes with AFEARD

bluebeard, crop-eared, dog-eared, graybeard, jug-eared, lop-eared, misleared, spade beard, whitebeard

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: afebrilePrevious Word in the Dictionary: afear All Words Near: afeard

Seen & Heard

What made you want to look up afeard? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

View Seen & Heard Highlights from Around the Site

Test Your Vocabulary!

10 Charming Words for Nasty People

Put-downs with flair

Learn More

When "Literally" isn't, well, literal

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Watch Now

Know what this is?

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Go Play

Fear of cats?

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears

Learn More