For fear of Meaning in English
expression
for-FEER-uhv
foh-FEER-ov
Definition
Used to explain that someone avoids something because they are afraid something bad might happen. It shows the reason for an action based on fear.
Usage & Nuances
Formal and used mainly in writing or careful speech. Always followed by a noun, pronoun, or verb in -ing form ('for fear of losing'). Common in explanations of actions taken to avoid negative outcomes. Similar to 'lest', but less archaic.
Spanish: por miedo a - por temor aPortuguese (BR): com medo dePortuguese (PT): com medo deChinese (Simplified): 害怕 - 唯恐Chinese (Traditional): 害怕 - 唯恐Hindi: के डर सेArabic: خوفًا منBengali: ভয়ে - ভয়ের কারণেRussian: из страха - опасаясьJapanese: 〜を恐れてVietnamese: sợ - vì sợKorean: 두려워서 - ~할까 봐Turkish: korkusuyla - korkusundanUrdu: ڈر سے - اس خوف سےIndonesian: karena takut - takut akan
Example Sentences
She stayed home for fear of getting sick.
basic
He whispered for fear of waking the baby.
basic
We left early for fear of missing the train.
basic
She didn’t speak up in class for fear of making a mistake.
natural
He hid his feelings for fear of being laughed at.
natural
I avoided the shortcut for fear of running into trouble.
natural