1
: filled with fear or apprehension
afraid of machines
was afraid for his job
2
: filled with concern or regret over an unwanted situation
I'm afraid I won't be able to go.
3
: having a dislike for something
She's not afraid of hard work. [=she's not unwilling to work hard]
Synonyms
Examples of afraid in a Sentence
Melissa is afraid of flying, so she takes a train from Boston to visit her brother in Chicago.
Recent Examples on the Web
Not being afraid to ask others for help was the most common answer, along with being confident.
—
Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 4 Nov. 2024
The resulting atmosphere of mistrust can leave immigrants afraid to report crimes or seek help in dangerous situations for fear of deportation.
—Brian Bennett, TIME, 3 Nov. 2024
The Ravens provide that type of test, one that understandably will send many in Broncos Country into hiding, afraid to peek their head above the covers.
—Troy Renck, The Denver Post, 2 Nov. 2024
By its conception, AI does not make mistakes, does not take bribes and is not afraid of anything.
—Oleksandr Sheremeta, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for afraid 
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Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 4 Nov. 2024
The resulting atmosphere of mistrust can leave immigrants afraid to report crimes or seek help in dangerous situations for fear of deportation.
—Brian Bennett, TIME, 3 Nov. 2024
The Ravens provide that type of test, one that understandably will send many in Broncos Country into hiding, afraid to peek their head above the covers.
—Troy Renck, The Denver Post, 2 Nov. 2024
By its conception, AI does not make mistakes, does not take bribes and is not afraid of anything.
—Oleksandr Sheremeta, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for afraid
Dictionary Entries Near afraid
Cite this Entry
“Afraid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/afraid. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
afraid
adjective
ə-ˈfrād 
Southern also -ˈfre(ə)d
1
: filled with fear or dread
afraid of snakes
2
: filled with concern or regret
afraid she might be late
3
: having a dislike for something
not afraid to work hard
Etymology
Middle English affraied "filled with fear," from affraien "to frighten," from early French affraier, effreer "to frighten" — related to fray entry 1
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